Kansas enforces statewide school cell-phone ban, requiring lockers for devices

Kansas enacted HB 2299, a blanket prohibition on personal cell phones and similar gadgets for students from kindergarten through high school, after Governor Laura Kelly signed the bill in March. Schools across the state can decide the storage method, ranging from ordinary lockers to locked cages, as seen at Wyandotte High School where a glass-fronted unit holds devices from 7:25 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. Districts such as Piper Unified and Basehor-Linwood have adopted their own locker systems, while others advise students to keep phones at home or in vehicles.

First-time offenders have their devices taken for the day; a third offense triggers a one-day suspension. The law allows exceptions for students with medical requirements or individualized education plans, and does not affect school-issued equipment. The legislation passed with a 32-4 Senate vote and an 84-39 House vote, despite opposition from several Democrats who argued it overreaches local control.