SPRINGFIELD, IL. – Gov. JB Pritzker said he plans to sign legislation approved Sunday by Illinois lawmakers that would prohibit students from using cellphones during school hours, backing a statewide “bell-to-bell” policy that supporters said is intended to keep students engaged in class and improve academic outcomes.

In statements issued after the passage of Senate Bill 2427, Pritzker and the bill’s sponsor, State Sen. Cristina Castro, said the measure would require school districts across Illinois to adopt policies restricting the use of wireless communication devices during the school day. The bill passed the Senate on Sunday, the final day of the Illinois legislative session, and now heads to the governor for final approval.

“Every parent and educator knows the damage that unchecked screen time and social media can do to our children and how disruptive they can be in school,” Pritzker said in a statement. “The bipartisan support for this effort reflects the urgency educators and families across Illinois feel. I’m grateful to Representative Michelle Mussman and Senator Cristina Castro for their leadership on this bill. I am pleased that the Illinois General Assembly finished the job and look forward to signing these vital protections for our kids into law.”

Castro, a Democrat from Elgin, said the measure is aimed at helping students remain focused during class.

“Academic success depends on students being present during class so they can perform their best,” Castro said. “Keeping students’ minds engaged with teachers ensures a productive classroom environment.”

Senate Bill 2427 would require the Illinois State Board of Education to publish a template wireless communication device policy by Sept. 1, 2026, according to information released with the bill. The template is intended to guide local school districts as they create their own policies.

The legislation includes exemptions for students who need access to a device for medical purposes, accommodation plans, language access or because they are caregivers. It also would allow school districts to exclude lunch and passing periods for high school students if that fits local needs.

The measure also would prohibit schools from enforcing cellphone policies through expulsions, suspensions, fines, tickets or citations.

“It is time we help students rediscover their passion for learning and ability to stay present in the classroom,” Castro said. “Teachers and students should be able to collaborate effectively without distractions standing in the way.”

The proposal is modeled in part on policies already adopted by some Illinois school districts, including Elgin School District U-46 and Hinsdale School District 86, according to the bill’s supporters. Supporters also said other states, including Florida and Minnesota, have passed laws restricting cellphone use in schools.

The governor’s office previously cited Pew research studies showing that up to three in four high school teachers reported cellphone distractions as “a major problem” in instruction.