On April 13, 2025, Governor Michelle Luján Grisham signed Senate Bill 11 into law, marking a moment of bipartisan agreement amidst numerous vetoes and criticisms directed at the Legislature. The bill, sponsored by Senator Crystal Brantley from Elephant Butte and Senator Moe Maestas from Albuquerque, mandates that every public school district in New Mexico establish a clear policy to manage student cell phone use during school hours.
Senate Bill 11 not only sets expectations for these policies but also introduces a grant program to help schools implement technologies such as phone lockers and secured storage solutions. These tools aim to minimize classroom distractions and enhance student engagement.
The legislation is supported by national research indicating widespread concern among parents and educators about cell phone use in schools. A recent survey revealed that 72% of high school teachers view cell phones as a significant distraction in classrooms, with 83% favoring an all-day phone-free policy. Such disruptions have been associated with lower test scores, increased anxiety, and reduced student engagement.
Senator Brantley expressed her views on the bill: "This bill isn’t just about test scores. It’s about showing our kids that we care enough about their future to take practical steps forward when we can. The road to lifting New Mexico from the bottom in national education rankings is long—but this is one step in the right direction. Reducing distractions helps not only academic outcomes but also our students' mental health, safety, and focus. I’m grateful to Governor Luján Grisham, Senator Maestas, and my colleagues in both chambers for supporting this common-sense policy."
The complete text of the signed bill is available for public access.
Information from this article can be found here.
