Pennsylvania House Passes School Phone Ban and ALPR Restrictions

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed two major pieces of legislation on October 20, 2026, targeting student technology use and police surveillance. Senate Bill 1014 mandates a bell-to-bell ban on cellphones, tablets, and smartwatches in all public and private schools. The bill allows exceptions for medical needs, learning disabilities, and English language learners. While Governor Josh Shapiro supports the measure, Representative Scott Barger voted against it, arguing that the ban should be absolute without exceptions.

Simultaneously, the House approved House Bill 2771 in a 190-13 vote to regulate Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs). The bipartisan bill prohibits the use of facial recognition and bans officers from using the technology for personal or political gain. It requires warrants for searches and mandates that data be deleted within 72 hours unless tied to an active investigation. Law enforcement use is limited to felony crimes, stolen vehicles, and missing persons.

Representative Jennifer O’Mara, the bill's prime sponsor, noted that the legislation may expire before the November 15 session deadline due to limited voting days. Some lawmakers, including Representative Tim Bonner, criticized the ALPR restrictions for prohibiting the use of cameras to solve misdemeanor crimes.