SACRAMENTO — Gov. Gavin Newsom on July 2 signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 272, authored by Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), a bill that encourages California school districts to develop and adopt policies that limit or prohibit student use of smartphones on school grounds during school hours, with specific exceptions.
This new law authorizes school districts to adopt their own policies to limit or prohibit smartphones except in the case of an emergency; when a teacher or administrator grants permission for academic or other approved purposes; when necessary for the health and well-being of the student; or when needed by a student with special needs.