Washington Governor proposes statewide school cellphone ban

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has unveiled the details of his proposed ‘Phone-Free Schools Act,’ a statewide framework designed to reduce classroom distractions. The legislation aims to require students to store personal electronic devices away from their person during the school day. Proposed storage methods include classroom caddies, front desk storage, or lockable pouches, rather than keeping devices in backpacks or pockets.

Ferguson cited research suggesting students spend approximately a quarter of the school day on phones, which equates to roughly 41 days of lost learning annually. The proposal includes exceptions for students with medical requirements, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, or specific family caregiving responsibilities.

To mitigate disciplinary disparities, the plan mandates a one-year grace period during which no student would be suspended for violating the policy. If the legislation is passed, the statewide policy is intended to take effect in September 2027. Ferguson plans to prefile the bill on December 7 ahead of the January legislative session.