05-13-2026 Gov. Braun Signs Bill to Keep Cell Phone Distractions Out of Indiana Schools

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, May 13, 2026

Gov. Braun Signs Bill to Keep Cell Phone Distractions Out of Indiana Schools

INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Mike Braun today ceremonially signed Senate Enrolled Act 78, a new 'bell-to-bell' cell phone restriction strengthening Indiana's school cell phone policies to help students focus, support teachers, and improve the classroom environment.

SEA 78 builds on Indiana's existing restrictions on student device use by setting a clearer standard for limiting cell phones, smartwatches, gaming devices, and other personal wireless communication devices during the school day. The law includes exceptions for emergencies, students with Individualized Education Programs or 504 plans, and medical needs.

"We've made major progress improving education for Hoosier students, and this new 'bell-to-bell' restriction on cell phone distractions will ensure students are focused on learning. This law supports teachers in the classroom and helps students build better habits at a time when constant distraction is affecting learning and mental health, with common-sense exceptions for emergencies." - Governor Mike Braun

Under SEA 78, Indiana schools will be required to update their wireless communication device policies to limit student use of personal devices during the school day. The law also directs the Indiana Department of Education to provide model policy language and implementation guidance for schools.

This builds on Governor Braun's major education wins:

• The Braun administration raised starting teacher salaries by $5,000 and required schools to spend at least 65% of state tuition support on teacher compensation, helping more education dollars reach teachers and classrooms.
• The state now has universal school choice, giving every Hoosier parent the opportunity to choose the school that best fits their child's needs.
• Last year, Indiana's fourth-grade literacy ranking reached an all-time high of 6th in the country.
• Third-grade literacy scores also increased by nearly five percentage points, the largest increase on record.
• Indiana also reached an all-time high graduation rate of 92%.

Photos of the ceremonial signing are available on Governor Braun's Flickr page, here.

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