Starting with the 2025-2026 school year, all Missouri school districts—including charter schools—must adopt written policies on students’ use of cellphones and other electronic devices.
The new state law, now awaiting Governor Mike Kehoe’s signature, prohibits students from using phones during the entire school day, including instructional time, meals, breaks, passing periods, and study halls.
The bill states the policies must “promote students’ educational interests and ensure a safe, effective working environment for staff and volunteers.” Disciplinary measures will be in place for violations, with exceptions for students who require phones for health or educational reasons, such as those with IEP or 504 plans. Emergency and authorized educational use of phones are also allowed.
School districts must publish their cellphone policies on their websites. Staff, employees, and volunteers will be protected from liability if they follow disciplinary procedures in good faith. This liability protection is set to expire on August 28, 2032.
The bill also includes key safety upgrades: all classrooms and interior doors—both existing and those installed after August 28, 2029—must have anti-intruder door locks. While schools aren’t required to fund these locks unless the legislature provides money, they can install master key boxes for quick emergency access by police or firefighters.
Schools must develop policies controlling building access and exits.
Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, every district must provide annual active shooter training for staff. This training covers handling tips about potential threats, responding to armed intruders, identifying safety risks, and following emergency protocols.
Each drill must include a clear explanation and safety briefing. Schools are also tasked with fostering a culture where students feel comfortable reporting threats and will provide information on the Courage2ReportMO system for anonymous tips.
Beginning in 2026, all schools will hold active shooter drills involving students, teachers, and staff to practice safety procedures.
