Pennsylvania School Cellphone Ban Awaits Only the Governor’s Signature

Pennsylvania’s school cellphone ban, Senate Bill 1014, now awaits only Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature. The state Senate concurred 47-3 on Oct. 21, and the bill was sent to the governor on Oct. 22.

The governor has three options: sign the bill, veto it, or do nothing. If he neither signs nor vetoes within 10 days of delivery, the bill becomes law automatically without his signature. Based on the delivery date, the deadline falls around Nov. 1.

As of Sunday morning, Oct. 25, no signature has been confirmed. If the governor signs, the bill moves immediately into enactment. If he vetoes, the legislature would need two-thirds support in both chambers to override.

If enacted, the law takes effect in the 2027-28 school year. Schools would need to adopt policies restricting student cellphone use before then. At its core, the bill restricts student cellphone use during the school day.

Two flashpoints remain: whether the governor signs in the coming days, or lets the 10-day clock run to automatic enactment. Either way, this article will be updated when a conclusion is reached.