HB 2251 Oregon House · 2025 Regular Session

Relating to student use of personal electronic devices.

HB 2251 requires Oregon school districts to adopt policies banning student use of personal electronic devices on school grounds, during school activities, on school transportation, or at school bus stops. The policy must allow exceptions only for devices supporting academic activities or independent communications under a student's individualized education program (IEP) or 504 plan. Districts must also outline consequences for violations and ensure policies are accessible to staff, students, and parents. This bill directly affects all public school students and districts in Oregon, shifting from previous allowances to a near-universal ban with narrow disability-related exceptions. The policy must include a process for student requests and appeals regarding device use.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Jun 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 13, 2025 Last action Jun 28, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced A-Engrossed · 6 edits · Apr 15, 2025
MODERATE
The bill was amended to add sponsors, clarify definitions, and restructure the policy requirements for student cell phone use. The changes make the policy more specific about when devices are prohibited, expand exemptions to include medical provider orders, and streamline how the policy is communicated to staff and families.
Scope change
The bill now applies more clearly to all district school boards and defines 'personal electronic device' to exclude laptops and devices required for academic activities.
DEFINITION

Added a new definition section that defines 'personal electronic device' and explicitly excludes laptops and devices required for academic activities.

REQUIREMENT

Changed the policy prohibition from general 'school grounds' to specific 'regular instructional hours' including passing time and meal periods.

Added a requirement for a process and timeline for responding to student requests about device use, including an appeals process.

Removed language requiring free access to applications and electronic materials for students using personal devices.

Simplified the policy availability requirement by removing the specific reference to personnel whose duties may require assistance with devices.

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded exemptions to include medical provider orders in addition to IEPs and 504 plans.

Floor votes · House Apr 15, 2025

How they voted

3421
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 58
Apr 15, 2025
D Democratic35
26 Yea 7 Nay 2
74% Yea
R Republican23
8 Yea 14 Nay 1
60% Nay
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
13
Key actions
3
Committee
4
Jun 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
In committee upon adjournment.
upper
Apr 21, 2025
Committee
Referred to Education.
upper
Apr 16, 2025
Introduced
First reading. Referred to President's desk.
upper
Apr 15, 2025
Introduced
Vote explanation(s) filed by Diehl, Hartman.
lower
Apr 15, 2025
Lower · Passed
Third reading. Carried by Wallan. Passed.
lower
Apr 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recommendation: Do pass with amendments and be printed A-Engrossed.
lower
Jan 17, 2025
Committee
Referred to Education.
lower
Jan 13, 2025
Introduced
First reading. Referred to Speaker's desk.
lower
3 primary · 13 co-sponsors

Sponsors