The California state legislature passed a bill this week that would require all public schools to develop a plan to limit or ban cell phone use during the school day. Governor Gavin Newsom is expected to sign the bill.

The Phone-Free Schools Act, introduced by Rep. Josh Hoover, would give the state’s public schools until July 2026 to develop a plan to implement a ban or other restrictions on smartphones.

For example, schools could require students to keep their cell phones in a locker or locked bag during class time, although the bill provides some exceptions.

In certain circumstances, such as medical reasons or emergencies, schools may not prevent students from using their phones.

Some schools and districts in Southern California have already taken steps to enforce their own cell phone bans. The Los Angeles Unified School District enacted a ban on its school campuses in June.

This ban has not yet gone into effect, but LAUSD is the largest school district in the country to approve such a ban. LAUSD schools must submit their plans to implement the ban or other restrictions by January 2025.

If Newsom signs the statewide bill, California would be the fifth state in the country to take such steps.