Virginia · 2025 Regular Session · Bill
SB 738: Public elementary & secondary schools; bell-to-bell student cell phone & smart device possession.
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 738 is a bill introduced in the Virginia Senate on September 18, 2024. According to its official title, it concerns: Public elementary & secondary schools; bell-to-bell student cell phone & smart device possession. Primary sponsor: Stella Pekarsky (Democratic). It lists 4 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (April 2, 2025): Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0606).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Public elementary and secondary schools; student cell phone possession and use policies; development and implementation. Directs each school board to develop and each public elementary and secondary school to implement policies relating to the possession and use of cell phones and smart devices by students on school property from bell to bell, as defined in the law, and requires such policies, among other things, to (i) restrict student cell phone and smart device possession and use on school property from bell to bell and (ii) permit any student, pursuant to an Individualized Education Plan, Section 504 Plan, individualized health care plan, or Limited English Proficiency plan, to possess and use a cell phone or smart device on school property, including in the classroom, from bell to bell to monitor or address a health concern or as an accommodation or assistive technology support. This bill is identical to HB 1961.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 4
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stella Pekarsky | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 36 |
| Lashrecse Aird | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 13 |
| Lamont Bagby | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 14 |
| Ghazala F. Hashmi | Co-sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Schuyler VanValkenburg | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 16 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0606)
- Enacted, Chapter 606 (Effective 07/01/2025)
- Signed by Speaker as reenrolled
- Signed by President as reenrolled
- Reenrolled bill text (SB738ER2)
- Reenrolled
- Governor's recommendation adopted
- House concurred in Governor's recommendation (91-Y 2-N)
- Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (40-Y 0-N)
- Governor's substitute printed (SB738S3)
- Governor's recommendation received by Senate
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history