California bill requiring schools to limit student cellphone use awaits governor’s signature

California would become the fifth state to require public schools to restrict or ban student smartphone use on school grounds under legislation Gov. Gavin Newsom has supported and is expected to sign.

The bipartisan Phone-Free Schools Act — Assembly Bill 3216 — would require school districts to enact smartphone restrictions by July 1, 2026, and review policies every five years. If enacted, California would join Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, South Carolina and Ohio in passing statewide cellphone...