HB525Introduced in the House of Delegates
County Boards of Education - Student Electronic Communication Device Use Policy - Establishment (Joanne C. Benson Maryland Phone-Free Schools Act)
Introduced by Adrian Boafo, District 23
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Requiring each county board of education to develop and implement, by the 2027-2028 school year, a policy prohibiting the use of certain electronic communication devices by a student during the academic school day; and prohibiting the policy from restricting the use of an electronic communication device for purposes of accommodations related to a disability, including for any purpose in a student's individual education program, to address a documented health issue, to access language translation tools, or to meet caregiving responsibilities.
Where it stands
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 596
May 26, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
House of DelegatesStage: Third Reading Passed · April 11, 2026
130
Yes
1
No
10
Absent or Not Voting
141 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Buckel | 1 | Yes |
| Terry Baker | 1 | Yes |
| Jim Hinebaugh | 1 | Not Voting |
| William Wivell | 2 | Yes |
| William Valentine | 2 | Yes |
| Matthew Schindler | 2 | Yes |
| Ken Kerr | 3 | Yes |
| Kris Fair | 3 | Yes |
| Karen Simpson | 3 | Yes |
| Barrie Ciliberti | 4 | Yes |
Bill history
First Reading Ways and Means
Hearing 2/18 at 1:00 p.m.
Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means
Favorable with Amendments {293220/1 Adopted
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Third Reading Passed (135-1)
Referred Education, Energy, and the Environment
Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment
Favorable with Amendments {403029/1 Adopted
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Third Reading Passed (41-0)
House Concurs Senate Amendments
Third Reading Passed (130-1)
Passed Enrolled
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 596
Verify the information
- Official page on the Maryland Legislature website
- Favorable with Amendments 293220/1 Adopted (amendment)
- Favorable with Amendments 403029/1 Adopted (amendment)
- Vote - House - Committee - Ways and Means (supplement)
- Vote - Senate - Committee - Education, Energy, and the Environment (supplement)
- Introduced (text)
- Engrossed (text)
- Enrolled (text)
- Chaptered (text)
Our commitment to neutrality
We provide factual information only. We never tell you which politicians or bills to support, and we do not rank, score, or endorse anyone.