Oklahoma — Lawmakers have advanced legislation to make the state’s school cellphone restrictions permanent, moving a measure known as the “Bell to Bell, No Cell” policy to Governor Kevin Stitt’s desk for final approval.
The bill, officially House Bill 1276 (HB 1276), would permanently prohibit students in Oklahoma public schools from using cellphones and other personal electronic devices during the entire school day, from the first bell to dismissal.
The legislation builds on Senate Bill 139 (SB 139), originally passed in 2025, which first created the statewide “bell-to-bell” cellphone ban as a temporary policy for the 2025–2026 school year.
Under SB 139, schools were required to enforce a full-day ban on student cellphone use, with limited exceptions for emergencies and medical needs. The policy was widely referred to as “Bell to Bell, No Cell” and was implemented across Oklahoma public schools as part of an effort to reduce classroom distractions and improve learning outcomes.
Following feedback from educators, parents, and school administrators, lawmakers moved this session to make the policy permanent statewide. The updated version, HB 1276, removes the sunset provision and solidifies the ban in state law.
Supporters of the measure argue the restriction helps improve student focus, classroom behavior, and academic engagement. Teachers across multiple districts have reported fewer distractions and improved instructional time since the policy was introduced.
The bill now awaits Governor Stitt’s decision. If signed, Oklahoma will become one of the states with a permanent statewide prohibition on student cellphone use during the school day.
