LOUISIANA — Starting in the 2024-2025 school year, Louisiana public and secondary schools will implement a new law, LA SB207, which prohibits students from possessing electronic telecommunication devices, including cell phones, during the instructional day.
This measure follows the bill’s final passage and signing on May 28, 2024.
LA SB207 amends existing Louisiana law, introducing strict regulations on electronic device possession.
While the general rule bans students from having cell phones on their person during school hours, exceptions are made for students who need such devices as part of their Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individualized Accommodation Plan (IAP), Section 504 plan, or Individualized Health Plan (IHP).
Additionally, if a student brings a cell phone to school, it must be turned off and properly stored throughout the instructional day.
The new act amends and reenacts R.S. 17:239(A), addressing unauthorized possession of electronic telecommunication devices at school. It provides guidelines for storing these devices during the school day and details the exceptions to the rule.
The bill’s sponsors include Senators Beth Mizell (R), Rick Edmonds (R), Cameron Henry (R), Katrina Jackson-Andrews (D), Patrick McMath (R), and Kirk Talbot (R).
