Cristina Castro

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation requiring all public schools to ban student cellphone use during school hours, effective by the 2027-2028 school year, to reduce distractions and enhance learning. The law allows exceptions for medical, special education, and language translation needs, and prohibits severe penalties unless linked to misconduct.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation requiring all public schools to implement a 'bell-to-bell' ban on student cellphone and electronic device use during school hours by the 2027-2028 school year. The law allows exceptions for medical needs, special education, language translation, and specific caregiver responsibilities, while prohibiting punitive measures like fines unless combined with misconduct.

Gov. JB Pritzker's efforts to keep the Bears in Illinois and pass the BUILD affordable housing plan failed due to opposition from local government leaders. The BUILD plan aimed to streamline housing development but stalled in the legislature, with critics citing preemptive state control over local zoning. Pritzker remains determined to push the plan during a fall veto session.

Illinois legislature passed Senate Bill 2427 to ban student cellphone use during school hours, with exceptions for healthcare, Individualized Education Plans, and English learners. Governor JB Pritzker announced his intention to sign the bill, calling it 'vital protections' for students.