South Dakota legislation · 101st Legislature (2026)
South Dakota SB198: restrict the use of a cell phone by a student during the school day.
Status: In committee, March 5, 2026
What the bill says
An Act to restrict the use of a cell phone by a student during the school day.
From the engrossed text, February 10, 2026:
An Act to restrict the use of a cell phone by a student during the school day. Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of South Dakota: Section 1. That a NEW SECTION be added to chapter 13-32: [ADDED: Except as otherwise provided in this section, a student may not use a cell phone during the school day, as set by the board of the school district pursuant to § 13-26-1] [ADDED: .] [ADDED: A student may use a cell phone during the school day if:] [ADDED: (1) The use of a cell phone is required or permitted as part of an approved medical or educational accommodation; or] [ADDED: (2) The use of a cell phone is required during an emergency affecting the health, safety, or well-being of a student or staff member.] [ADDED: The board of each school district shall adopt a policy that] [ADDED: sets forth disciplinary actions for student noncompliance.] Underscores indicate new language. [DELETED: Overstrikes] indicate deleted language.
Sponsors
- Chris Karr (R, SD-011) · primary sponsor
- Taylor Rehfeldt (R, HD-014) · primary sponsor
- Bobbi Andera (R, HD-010)
- Leslie Heinemann (R, HD-025)
- Liz Larson (D, SD-010)
- Carl Perry (R, 03)
- Curt Voight (R, SD-033)
Latest actions
- : Do Pass Amended
- : Motion to amend
- : Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6
- : Report out of committee without recommendation
- : Recalled from committee (Rule 7-7) Education
- : Deferred to the 41st legislative day
- : Scheduled for hearing
- : Scheduled for hearing
- : First read in House and referred to Education
- : Do Pass Amended
Votes
- Do Pass Amended (March 5, 2026): 28 yea, 39 nay, failed
- Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6 (March 4, 2026): 50 yea, 17 nay, passed
- Deferred to the 41st legislative day (March 2, 2026): 8 yea, 7 nay, passed
- Do Pass Amended (February 17, 2026): 19 yea, 15 nay, passed
- Placed on calendar pursuant to JR 6F-6 (February 11, 2026): 19 yea, 14 nay, passed
- Report out of committee without recommendation as amended (February 10, 2026): 5 yea, 2 nay, passed
Subjects: Technology, Education, Students, School Districts, Telecommunications
Common questions
- What is SB198?
- SB198 is a bill in the South Dakota Legislature (101st Legislature (2026)): restrict the use of a cell phone by a student during the school day.
- What does SB198 do?
- In its own words: An Act to restrict the use of a cell phone by a student during the school day.
- What is the status of SB198?
- In committee as of March 5, 2026. Latest action: Do Pass Amended (March 5, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB198?
- Chris Karr (R, SD-011), with 6 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB198?
- On the South Dakota Legislature website: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/26927
Source: official South Dakota record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.