Kansas House Bill 2299

New Policy Adopted on 6/22/26

Students are prohibited from using or accessing personal electronic communication devices during the school day while on district owned or operated property, except as expressly permitted by this policy or by law.

This policy does not apply to any virtual school, as defined by Kansas law.

When personal electronic communication device use is not permitted, students are allowed reasonable access to a school-provided telephone or communication device during the school day to contact a parent or person acting as a parent.

Device Storage

All student personal electronic communication devices shall be powered off and securely stored away from the student’s person in an inaccessible location during the school day, unless an exception applies to this requirement as specified in this policy.

Students may choose not to bring personal electronic communication devices to school by leaving such devices at home or in a vehicle, including a vehicle located on school premises.  As students will not have the ability to access or use such devices during the school day, students are encouraged to leave any personal electronic communication devices not necessary for the implementation of their Individualized Education Program (hereafter “IEP”) or Section 504 accommodation plan (hereafter “504 plan”), communication during their commute to or from school, for work, or learning experience that is not located on the school premises at home.  If students elect to leave such devices in their vehicle, students are encouraged to lock their vehicles to protect against theft of or damage to the devices. 

Kansas law provides that the board, school district employees, and/or any agents thereof shall not be liable for any damage to personal electronic communication devices or for storage of such devices that are brought to school.

The superintendent or superintendent’s designee(s) shall develop procedures to ensure all personal electronic communication devices are turned off and securely stored away from the student’s person in an inaccessible location during the school day.  Such procedures shall be included in student handbooks as adopted by the board and communicated to students and parents/guardians as deemed appropriate by district administration.

Definitions

For purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

• “Personal electronic communication device” is any wireless electronic communication device that both provides for voice, text, or video communication between two or more parties, including, but not limited to, a mobile or cellular phone, tablet, computer, watch, wireless headphones or earbuds, text messaging device, or personal digital assistant; and is not owned or issued to students by the school district.
• “School day” is the time from the start of school until dismissal at the end of the day on the school premises, including, but not limited to, the time in any classroom, structured or unstructured learning setting, recess, lunch or passing period.  The term “school day” excludes any time associated with a student's travel to or from a learning experience that is not located on the school premises, including any postsecondary educational course, career technical education course, work-based learning program, or other alternative educational opportunity.

 

Permitted Exception

A student may be permitted to use a personal electronic communication device during the school day under the following circumstances.

• Any student may use a personal electronic communication device during the school day if it is the intervention of last resort such that there is no other reasonable alternative option available for such student, and the use is either:

• Required for the implementation of a student's IEP or 504 plan; or
• Approved by a licensed physician as a medical necessity to support the health or well-being of the student.

 

Use During School-Sponsored Activities Before and After the School Day

Students may use or access personal electronic communication devices during school-sponsored activities, programs, or events occurring before and after the regular school day, subject to district-approved procedures, event-specific rules, and staff direction.

 

Enforcement and Disciplinary Action

Violations of this policy may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the district’s student code of conduct. Disciplinary measures may include, but are not limited to, confiscation of the device through the end of the school day, referral to administration for determination of appropriate consequence, parental notification, or other appropriate disciplinary response, up to and including suspension and/or expulsion from school.

Discipline shall be applied in a nondiscriminatory manner and shall not interfere with rights provided under an IEP, 504 plan, or applicable law.

 

Administrative Procedures and Directives

The superintendent or designee(s) may develop administrative procedures and provide directives necessary to ensure consistent implementation of this policy and any board approved regulations and handbooks across district buildings, so long as such procedures and directives are not in conflict with board approved policy, regulation, or handbook language.

 

Approved: 6/22/26

Click here for the summary of Kansas HB 2299 on the Kansas Legislature website

Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs) are student-owned devices capable of cellular, Wi-Fi, and/or Bluetooth connectivity, including but not limited to: ● Cell phones ● Smart watches ● Wireless headphones or earbuds ● Tablets ● Personal laptops ● Gaming devices ● Smart glasses ● Fitness trackers ● Any other text-messaging or internet-capable devices

During the school day—from the first bell at 8:00 a.m. until dismissal at 3:15 p.m.—students will not carry or use personal electronic devices, including cell phones, smart watches, wireless earbuds, and other internet-connected devices. Students may leave these devices at home or store them in an approved location, such as their locker, vehicle, or a designated classroom storage area.

 

What Students Can Still Do

Although personal devices will no longer be available during the school day, students will continue to have access to the technology they need to be successful.

• Every student will continue using their school-issued Chromebook for classroom learning.

• Students may email parents or guardians through their school account when appropriate.

• Parents who need to reach their student during the school day may continue to call the Newton High School main office, and we will ensure important messages are delivered promptly.

• Students may use wired headphones with their Chromebook when a teacher allows them as part of instruction or independent work.

 

Consequences for PED Policy Violations

Because Kansas law now requires a “bell-to-bell” prohibition on personal electronic devices during the school day, violations of this policy will be treated as defiance of school rules and failure to comply with state law and board policy. Failure to surrender a device immediately when requested by a staff member will be considered insubordination and will result in additional disciplinary consequences.

1st Offense

● Device confiscated and turned into the office

● Parent/guardian notified

● Student assigned 1 hour detention after school

● Student may pick up device after school

2nd Offense

● Device confiscated and turned into the office

● Parent/guardian notified

● Parent/guardian required to pick up the device

● Student assigned 2 hours detention after school

● Loss of open lunch and/or hallway privileges for 5 school days

3rd Offense

● Device confiscated and turned into the office

● Parent/guardian conference required

● Student assigned 1 day In-School Suspension (ISS)

● Student placed on a behavioral contract regarding PED compliance

● Student may lose eligibility for dances, parking privileges, extracurricular participation, and other school activities for 10 school days.

4th Offense

● Device confiscated and held in the office until a parent/guardian retrieves it

● Student assigned 2 days ISS or alternative placement as determined by administration

● Loss of extracurricular attendance privileges for a minimum of 10 school days

● Student may lose eligibility for dances, parking privileges, extracurricular participation, and other school activities for a minimum of 10 school days.

Continued or Severe Violations

Repeated refusal to comply with the PED policy, repeated insubordination, recording or distributing unauthorized photos/videos, or attempts to circumvent the policy may result in:

● Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)

● Extended loss of privileges

● Alternative school placement

● Referral for additional disciplinary action in accordance with district policy and Kansas law Additional Enforcement Expectations

● Students must surrender devices immediately upon request from any staff member.

● Refusal to surrender a device, arguing with staff, hiding a device, or providing a different device will be treated as insubordination and/or dishonesty.

● Smart watches, earbuds, and wireless headphones fall under the same expectations and consequences as cell phones.

● Students are responsible for ensuring devices remain powered off and out of sight throughout the school day.

● Students may not use PEDs in restrooms, locker rooms, or private areas at any time.

The options are to turn off all personal electronic devices and put them away or do not bring any personal electronic devices to school. Students should not bring personal electronic devices—including cell phones, smart watches, earbuds, tablets, etc.—to school.

 

If You Bring It, Turn It In

If you bring a personal electronic device to school, you must turn it in to your seminar teacher at the beginning of the day when you are given your Chromebook.

Devices will be stored securely during the school day and returned at the end of the day.

 

If You Are Found With a Personal Electronic Device

First and Second Offense:

The student will be sent to the office with the device. The device will be confiscated by school staff or administration. An office behavior referral will be created, and parents will be notified. The device will be released only to a parent or guardian.

Subsequent Offenses:

The student will be sent to the office with the device. The device will be confiscated by school staff or administration. An office behavior referral will be created, and parents will be notified. The device will be released only to a parent or guardian. A consequence will be assigned, which could be a minimum of after-school detention, ISS or OSS.

 

No Exceptions

This policy is in place to protect learning, reduce distractions and keep our school safe.

Cell phones, smartwatches, and wireless headphones must remain stored in student lockers at all times or stay at home. Students are strictly prohibited from using personal devices anywhere on school property during the school day. Please contact the main office directly if you need to reach your student during school hours for any reason.

From the 2026-27 Elementary Handbook - Electronic Devices

Students are prohibited from using or accessing personal electronic communication devices during the school day while on district owned or operated property, except as expressly permitted by this policy or by law. This policy does not apply to any virtual school, as defined by Kansas law. When personal electronic communication device use is not permitted, students are allowed reasonable access to a school-provided telephone or communication device during the school day to contact a parent or person acting as a parent. Devices brought to school will be stored at the front office and returned to students after the bell rings. 

We understand this change may require an adjustment for students and families. Please talk to your student about this law change and how it will impact their school day.

Many parents have asked how they will communicate with their student during the day. Students will still have multiple ways to connect with home when necessary, and front office staff at every school is available to assist families with urgent messages.

Exceptions to this policy may be made for: ● Students with accommodations outlined in an IEP or 504 Plan.

Administration reserves the right to determine appropriate PED use during: ● Extracurricular activities ● Athletic events ● School-sponsored trips ● Before-school and after-school activitie

The law that was passed in Topeka does not provide an exception for emergencies. Please know, in an urgent situation or safety concern on campus, information will be sent through our Messages XRE system to all parents and guardians listed in Infinite Campus. If you have questions about how you will receive these updates or need to update your contact information, please call your child’s school office for assistance.