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Fillmore Today
By the People, for the People
Utah Legislature Passes 'Bell-to-Bell' Smartphone Ban for Schools
New law prohibits student use of smart devices throughout the entire school day
Published on Mar. 5, 2026
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The Utah Legislature has passed a new bill, Senate Bill 69, that prohibits the use of smart devices in schools from the first bell of the day to the last. The bill, sponsored by Republican lawmakers, builds on a previous law that restricted cell phone use only during classroom hours. The new law will require schools to update their policies and train teachers on the new restrictions, which include the use of cellphones, smart watches, and other emerging technologies.
Why it matters
The 'bell-to-bell' smartphone ban aims to reduce distractions and increase focus in schools, though some administrators have questioned whether a complete ban throughout the day is necessary. The law will impact school policies across Utah, requiring adjustments to existing rules around phone use and consequences for violations.
The details
Senate Bill 69 prohibits the use of smart devices in schools from the start of the school day to the final bell, going beyond previous restrictions that only covered classroom hours. The bill passed the Utah Senate on Thursday and will now head to Governor Spencer Cox's desk to be signed into law. The new law will require schools to update their policies and train teachers on enforcing the stricter rules, which cover not just cellphones but also smart watches and other emerging technologies that could substitute for or connect to a student's smartphone.
- The bill will take effect on July 1, 2026 if signed by Governor Cox.
- Utah's 2026 general legislative session ends on March 6, 2026.
The players
Sen. Lincoln Fillmore
Republican state senator representing Salt Lake County, and sponsor of Senate Bill 69.
Rep. Doug Welton
Republican state representative representing Utah County, and co-sponsor of Senate Bill 69.
Gov. Spencer Cox
The governor of Utah who will decide whether to sign Senate Bill 69 into law.
Kim Dickerson
President of the Wasatch County School Board, which will need to update its policies to comply with the new state law.
Jim Judd
Principal of Timpanogos Middle School, which has already implemented a 'phone box' policy to restrict cell phone use during class.
What they’re saying
“It was something that we were expecting and that we've been keeping an eye on.”
— Kim Dickerson, School Board President (parkrecord.com)
“This was not the battle that we thought it would be. Kids, or the students, became compliant pretty quickly for the large part.”
— Jim Judd, Principal (parkrecord.com)
“I'm not quite sold on what bell to bell does differently than just no cell phones in the classroom.”
— Jim Judd, Principal (parkrecord.com)
What’s next
The new law will take effect on July 1, 2026 if signed by Governor Cox. Schools across Utah will then need to update their policies and train teachers on enforcing the 'bell-to-bell' smartphone ban.
The takeaway
This new state law represents an escalation in efforts to limit student smartphone use in schools, going beyond previous restrictions on phone use only during class time. While some administrators question the need for a complete ban throughout the school day, the law will require schools to adapt their policies and enforcement to comply with the stricter rules.
