CHAPTER 331
An Act to amend and reenact § 22.1-79.3:1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to school boards; student cell phone and smart device possession and use policies; restriction and prohibition.
[S 108]
Approved April 6, 2026
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That § 22.1-79.3:1 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:
§ 22.1-79.3:1 . Student cell phone and smart device possession and use policies; development and implementation.
A. As used in this section:
"Bell to bell" means after the first bell rings at the start of the school day to begin instructional time until the dismissal bill rings at the end of the school day. "Bell to bell" includes lunch and time in between class periods.
"Smart device" means any personal electronic device that can connect to the Internet and wirelessly collect, process, and transmit data, including smart watches and tablets.
B. Each school board shall develop and each public elementary and secondary school shall implement age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate policies relating to student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property from bell to bell. Such policies shall: