Public schools; require school boards to adopt policy on bell-to-bell cell phone prohibition.

HB 702 requires Mississippi public school boards to create and implement age-appropriate policies banning cell phone use during the entire school day ("bell-to-bell"), including classrooms and breaks. The policy mandates that students store devices off-person (e.g., in lockers or backpacks) during school hours, prohibits suspensions or expulsions for violations, and allows exceptions for students with health needs or IEPs. It also requires schools to use school-based communication tools for emergencies instead of personal devices and post policies online. The bill died in committee in February 2026 and was never enacted.