Rhode Island Senate to vote on school cell phone ban bill

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Senate will vote Tuesday on a bill that could ban cell phones and electronics in the classroom.

The bill would require each public school to create its own policy on phones in class and during activities like field trips.

There would be exemptions, for things like assistive technology or other special needs.

If the bill passes through both chambers of the state house, the bill would then go to Governor Dan McKee’s desk.

If signed into law, the act would take effect on August 1, 2026.