South Dakota Senate Backs School Cellphone Ban

Legislation would limit student cellphone use during the school day, with some exceptions.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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The South Dakota Senate voted 19-15 to approve a bill that would ban student cellphone use during the school day, unless the use is for a health or educational purpose. The bill will now head to a House committee. Supporters say cellphones cause student distraction and negatively impact academic performance and mental health, while opponents argue the state should trust local school boards to make the decision that's right for their students and educators.

Why it matters

This legislation is part of a broader national trend of states enacting some form of statewide restriction or requirement for districts to limit student phone use in schools. The debate highlights the ongoing tension between state control and local control over education policies.

The details

The bill was introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, who said the current situation is "uneven" with some classrooms enforcing restrictions while others do not, which is "frustrating for educators, confusing for families and does not provide the best learning environment." Opponents, like Sen. Stephanie Sauder, R-Bryant, argued the state should trust school boards to make the decision that's right for their students and educators, saying "it's not just about phones" but about "trust in local control." The state Department of Education said it would include the policy requirement in its school accreditation process if the bill becomes law, but would not monitor students or schools to ensure enforcement.

  • The South Dakota Senate voted on the bill on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The bill will next head to a House committee.

The players

Chris Karr

Senate President Pro Tempore, R-Sioux Falls, who introduced the legislation.

Stephanie Sauder

State Senator, R-Bryant, who opposed the bill, arguing the state should trust local school boards.

Joe Graves

Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Education, who said the department would include the policy requirement in its school accreditation process if the bill becomes law.

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What they’re saying

“What we have today is uneven. In some classrooms, teachers enforce restrictions, and others, they're left to manage alone. That inconsistency is frustrating for educators, confusing for families and does not provide the best learning environment for our children.”

— Chris Karr, Senate President Pro Tempore, R-Sioux Falls (South Dakota Searchlight)

“It's not just about phones. From my perspective, it's about our trust in local control, as well as trust in our school boards. This is not a one-size-fits-all situation.”

— Stephanie Sauder, State Senator, R-Bryant (South Dakota Searchlight)

What’s next

The bill will next be considered by a House committee before potentially moving to a full House vote.

The takeaway

This legislation reflects the ongoing debate over the appropriate balance between state control and local control in education policy. While supporters argue for a statewide ban to address student distraction and mental health concerns, opponents emphasize the importance of trusting local school boards to make the best decisions for their communities.