Senate File 21, “Ban on cell phone use in schools,” died in a 17-11 vote on the Senate floor. Bill co-sponsor Wendy Schuler, R-Evanston, said the bill would not have dictated

A $252 billion New York budget plan by Gov. Kathy Hochul would ban student cell phones during school and hike school aid by at least 2% per district.

Hochul wants schools to ban smartphones and other internet-enabled devices before the next school year. Lawmakers are open to it.