Kansas House Bill 2299

In spring 2026, Kansas legislators passed a law, and every Kansas school district is now required to ban student access to and use of cell phones and other personal electronic communication devices from “bell to bell.”

This term is defined in the law to include any wireless electronic communication device that provides for voice, text or video communication between two or more parties. This includes a mobile or cellular phone, tablet, computer, watch, wireless headphones or earbuds, text messaging device or personal digital assistant, among others. The law does not restrict devices that students receive from the school district, such as the Chromebooks or laptops used in our schools. These are allowed and should be brought to school for learning activities, as in the past.

Procedure details will be added as development continues.

The law that was passed in Topeka does not provide an exception for emergencies. Rest assured, in an urgent situation or safety concern on campus, information will be sent through ParentSquare to all parents, guardians, caregivers and other emergency contacts provided during registration/enrollment.

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.

According to the 2026 law, every Kansas school board is required to adopt and update board policies to explain how the new law will be implemented locally. Our student handbooks also have new policies to explain these changes for students and families. 

The law grants an exception for students who need their device to manage a health issue, such as checking blood sugar. Parents are asked to contact their school nurse if their child has a medical need. Our school nurses/health services team will also be reaching out to those they know may require a device for medical reasons during the day.

Per HB2299, our district policy will grant an exception for students who need a device as an accommodation during the school day, if their IEP, Medical Plan or 504 Plan requires it as assistive technology for medically or educationally necessary purposes.

Procedures and expectations will be in place for when students are checked out by a parent or guardian to leave campus or are leaving the school for other excused absences. Those procedures will be communicated as our policy develops.

The device must be properly stored again if/when they return to school that day.

The law explicitly prohibits students from accessing or using personal devices during the school day while on campus. Our procedure for off-campus learning experiences is will be communicated soon. Please contact your child’s teacher, coach or principal if you have questions or concerns about the access to or use of a personal electronic communication device in a specific off-campus situation.

We know this is a big change, and we will work with students at school to create a smooth transition as much as possible. We will also explain the consequences of not following the new rules and policy.
Violations will be handled individually, following our standard disciplinary policy and procedures.

Please encourage students to follow this new expectation and share some of the benefits that come from a less distracted learning environment. Working together, we hope to minimize additional disruptions to their school day that could come from non-compliance or disciplinary procedures.
Parents, caregivers and students are all encouraged to review the handbook policy about device use at school. This can be found in the 2026-2027 student handbook.

Your child’s school office will be happy to answer your questions or help address any individual concerns you might have. School offices will open for the new school year on August 3rd, and hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.