ICYMI: Getting Stuff Done for Pennsylvania, Governor Shapiro Signs More Than 55 Bills into Law, Enacting Bell-to-Bell Cell Phone Ban in Schools, Strengthening Public Safety, Making Housing More Affordable and More

“Every student deserves a learning environment that encourages engagement, builds meaningful connections, and provides the opportunity to succeed.” — AFTPA President Wendy G. Coleman

“Pennsylvania lawmakers have given students opportunities for distraction free learning, and so much more.” — Jonathan Haidt, the author of The Anxious Generation and cofounder of The TAG Movement

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has worked hard to deliver for Pennsylvanians, signing more than 435 bills into law.

October 27, 2026

Harrisburg, PA – Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro visited Lenape Middle School in Bucks County to sign Senate Bill 1014 into law, requiring Pennsylvania schools to adopt policies prohibiting students from using personal cell phones throughout the school day, including during lunch, recess, and between classes.

The Governor’s visit followed his signing of 58 additional bills last week — surpassing 100 total bills signed into law since the beginning of 2026 — as he continues to get stuff done for Pennsylvanians.

These new bills include expanding and protecting tenants’ rights; making housing more affordable; modernizing Pennsylvania's Milk Marketing Law; establishing an Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children Program; joining the Physician Assistant Compact; strengthening work zone safety education for new drivers; banning animal testing for cosmetics; extending prevailing wage requirements; and amending the Sexual Assault Testing and Evidence Collection Act to standardize the submission process for all kits obtained by law enforcement.

Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has signed a total of 439 bills into law and worked hard to deliver for Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth.

Here’s what Pennsylvania’s elected, local, and community leaders are saying about the Governor delivering real results for Pennsylvania students:

Senator Steve Santarsiero, PA’s 10th Senate District: “Our phones can do great things to unlock information for us, but they can also be a huge distraction with negative impacts on our kids. This bill is an important step in our schools, and their success will show us how it’s done. I'm grateful for everyone who had a hand in making this happen, and to the Governor, most of all, for his leadership on this issue. I am proud to be part of the team.”

Senator Devlin Robinson, PA’s 37th Senate District: “I am thrilled that we were able to pass this bill to prohibit cellphone use in schools. The evidence is clear and obvious: smartphones are harmful to the mental health of kids and teens, they are attention and experience blocked that connect you with people far away while disconnecting you from the people and experiences right in front of you, and they have not, in any way, improved student learning or social growth. In fact, they’ve done the opposite. Today is a win for students and schools and I am proud to have been a part of this effort.”

Representative Tim Brennan, PA’s 29th House District: “It's no secret that we live in a changing world and each time I get a chance to interact with students here in Central Bucks, I like to talk to them about the big issues facing their generation. This bill sets boundaries on technology — it manages the risks of pervasive, often market-driven technology and preserves a space for genuine human development. I know it will take some time for young people to appreciate what this bill is doing, but I'm very thankful for the Governor's leadership on this issue, our local senator, and all of the legislators who've helped make this happen.”

Representative Mandy Steele, PA’s 33rd House District: “Big tech is attempting to render an entire generation captive. Children are suffering. It is imperative that we make our schools a place where children are able to learn and socialize without the constant distraction of their phone. This is the public health crisis of our time. I'm proud to have worked on this important piece of legislation and am grateful that Governor Shapiro signed it into law today so we can protect our kids.”

President Wendy G. Coleman, American Federation of Teachers PA: “AFT Pennsylvania applauds Governor Shapiro and the General Assembly for taking decisive action to put student learning ahead of cell phone distractions. Our educators see firsthand how these devices disrupt classrooms, diminish student engagement, and take valuable time away from instruction. Classrooms should be places where students focus on learning, not their screens. As schools implement this law, educators must have a meaningful voice in the process, with clear guidance for teachers and school staff and appropriate protections for students with special needs. Every student deserves a learning environment that encourages engagement, builds meaningful connections, and provides the opportunity to succeed. Our students’ education must always come first.”

Jonathan Haidt, the author of The Anxious Generation and cofounder of The TAG Movement: "Under Governor Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania has become the 25th state to enact a bell-to-bell phone free school policy. Pennsylvania lawmakers have given students opportunities for distraction free learning, and so much more. When students put their phones away for the day, they learn more from their teachers, develop longer attention spans, and have more fun with each other. There’s more work ahead to create distraction-free schools, and I’m confident Governor Shapiro will continue to lead.”

Dr. Joanna Wexler, Superintendent, Central Bucks School District: “As educators, teachers, and caregivers, we understand the challenges of raising and educating young people in a digital world. For years, schools have been striving to address the distraction that comes with student cell phones. Now, we will continue to work with students, staff, and parents to engage in conversations and dialogue around this issue, knowing our students and staff will rise to the occasion and meet these new expectations, continue to excel, achieve, and make us proud in countless ways.”

Christie Besack, Social Studies Teacher, Central Bucks High School West: “Here at Central Bucks, we’ve already seen first-hand what happens when students put their phones away — they’re more present, they talk to each other more, they’re more engaged, and teachers can focus on teaching instead of competing for our students’ attention. When we get distractions out of the classroom, we’re improving students’ educational outcomes and ensuring they are in the best position to succeed. I want to thank Governor Shapiro and the general assembly for working together to invest in our children and implement policies that put the focus back on learning and collaboration.”

Kirstin McGowan, a parent advocate and co-leader of PA Unplugged: “Like many other parents, I began noticing the very different childhood our kids are experiencing with the early and constant pull of technology and social media. Parents, teachers and health professionals have been asking for help and the passing of SB 1014 is a major first step in supporting our kids and teachers… Thank you, Governor Shapiro for calling for this state-wide standard, for signing SB 1014, and for helping make Pennsylvania a place where childhood happens in the real world first.”

Sanjana Chamarty, a senior at Central Bucks High School South: “As students, we should not be viewing this as a disconnection from the digital world, but rather an opportunity to connect with one another face-to-face. Eliminating cell phones in schools is a huge push forward for removing distractions. Thank you Governor Shapiro for being here today, and ensuring that students are receiving a quality education.”

Here’s what Pennsylvanians are reading and watching about the Governor’s recent bill signings:

Philadelphia Inquirer: Gov. Shapiro went to Central Bucks to sign the school cell phone ban

CBS Philadelphia: Gov. Josh Shapiro signs bill banning cellphone use in Pennsylvania schools

6abc: 'Now it's law': Gov. Josh Shapiro signs bill banning cell phones in Pennsylvania schools

NBC 10: Gov. Shapiro signs bell-to-bell cellphone ban for Pa. schools

ABC 27: Pennsylvania Governor signs bill banning cellphones in schools

CBS 21: Shapiro signs 'bell-to-bell' cell phone ban into law at PA middle school

WGAL: Gov. Shapiro to sign bill banning cellphones in public school classrooms

KDKA: Gov. Josh Shapiro signs bill banning cellphone use in schools in Pennsylvania

WTAE: Cellphone ban in schools signed by Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro

WHYY: Gov. Shapiro signs bell-to-bell cell phone ban for all Pennsylvania schools

WFMZ: Gov. Shapiro signs classroom cell phone ban into law during visit to Doylestown middle school