New Mexico Lawmakers Propose Statewide Cell Phone Ban in Schools

Bill would require all school districts to prohibit student cell phone use during school day

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The New Mexico Senate Education committee has advanced a proposed bill that would require all school districts and charter schools to adopt policies banning students from using their cell phones during the school day. The policy would be phased in over three years, starting with middle schools, then high schools, and finally elementary schools. The bill includes $1 million for schools to purchase locked phone pouches or storage lockers.

Why it matters

Cell phone bans in schools have become more common across the country, with some studies showing improvements in student test scores and attendance after implementing such policies. However, there are concerns about medical exceptions and the need for a statewide policy when some schools have already created their own cell phone bans.

The details

The proposed Senate Bill 23 would require districts to enforce the cell phone ban and provide consequences for violations, which will be up to each district to decide. Schools would also determine whether phones are banned the entire day or allowed during breaks like lunch. The bill includes a medical exception for students who use their phones as glucose monitors or for other health reasons.

  • The policy would be implemented in phases, starting with middle schools in the first year, high schools in the second year, and elementary schools in the third year.
  • The bill is currently advancing through the Senate Judiciary Committee after passing the Senate Education committee 7-to-2.

The players

Senate Bill 23

The proposed legislation that would require all New Mexico school districts to adopt policies banning student cell phone use during the school day.

Sen. Natalie Figueroa

A Democratic state senator from Albuquerque who is a Spanish language teacher and supports the bill, noting the importance of medical exceptions for students who use their phones as glucose monitors.

Yvonne Garcia

The deputy secretary for the division of student support services in the New Mexico Public Education Department, who stated that 98 out of the 188 school districts in the state already have a cell phone ban in place.

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What they’re saying

“Last year, I had a student whose cell phone was his glucose monitor. So in class, it was in his line of sight at all times, and he could tell me, 'I need to go get a snack' when his sugar dropped. I didn't have to wait until he had a seizure in my classroom.”

— Sen. Natalie Figueroa, State Senator (sourcenm.com)

“Of the 188 school districts in the state, 98 districts already have a cell phone ban in place.”

— Yvonne Garcia, Deputy Secretary, Division of Student Support Services, Public Education Department (sourcenm.com)

What’s next

The bill will next be considered by the Senate Judiciary Committee. If passed, the cell phone ban policy would be implemented in phases, starting with middle schools in the 2023-2024 school year, followed by high schools in 2024-2025 and elementary schools in 2025-2026.

The takeaway

This proposed statewide cell phone ban in New Mexico schools reflects a growing trend across the country, with some evidence showing improved academic outcomes after implementing such policies. However, the bill's medical exception and the fact that many districts have already enacted their own bans raise questions about the need for a one-size-fits-all state policy versus local control.