State Senate backs school cellphone ban

By: Meghan O'Brien

Outlets: South Dakota Searchlight

Published: February 18, 2026

Words: 377

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 5 days ago

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PIERRE — The South Dakota Senate voted Tuesday to approve legislation that would ban student cellphone use during the school day, unless the use is for a health or educational purpose.

Members of the chamber voted 19-15 to approve the bill, after it was advanced by a Senate committee without recommendation. The bill will head to a House committee next.

Senate President Pro Tempore Chris Karr, R-Sioux Falls, introduced the legislation.

“What …

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