Indianapolis, January 27, 2026
The Indiana Senate has passed significant legislation, banning student cell phone use during school hours and advancing plans for a new stadium for the Chicago Bears. The proposed bill aims to enhance focus among students and create opportunities for the NFL team to relocate to Indiana. If approved, the cell phone ban will take effect in the 2026-27 school year, while the stadium initiative seeks to benefit Northwest Indiana’s economy.
Indiana Senate Approves Major Legislation Impacting Schools and Sports
Indianapolis, Indiana – In recent legislative developments, the Indiana Senate has approved a bill to ban student cell phone use during the entire school day and advanced legislation to build a new stadium for the Chicago Bears.
Senate Approves School Cell Phone Ban
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indiana Senate has approved Senate Bill 78, which prohibits students from using or possessing wireless communication devices, including cell phones, during the entire school day. The bill requires schools to adopt policies that either ban devices entirely or mandate secure storage during school hours. Exceptions are made for emergencies, health management, and language translation needs. The legislation aims to reduce distractions and improve student focus and mental health. If passed, the new rules would take effect for the 2026-27 school year.
Indiana Senate Advances Bears Stadium Bill
Indianapolis, Indiana – The Indiana Senate Appropriations Committee has advanced legislation to establish the Northwest Indiana Stadium Commission, tasked with planning and financing a new stadium for the Chicago Bears. The proposed location is near Hammond, Indiana, approximately 22 miles from downtown Chicago. The initiative aims to attract the NFL team to relocate from Chicago to Indiana.
Background Context
Indianapolis, Indiana – Senate Bill 78 builds upon a 2024 law that prohibited students from using portable wireless devices during instructional time. The new legislation extends the ban to the entire school day, including lunch and passing periods. Supporters argue that the change will reduce distractions and improve student focus and mental health.
Indianapolis, Indiana – The proposal to build a new stadium for the Chicago Bears follows previous efforts to attract professional sports franchises to Northwest Indiana. In April 2025, Indiana House Bill 1292 created a professional sports development commission to develop plans for attracting a professional sports franchise to the region.
Key Features of Senate Bill 78
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Device Prohibition | Prohibits students from using or possessing wireless communication devices during the entire school day. |
| Policy Requirements | Schools must adopt policies that either ban devices entirely or mandate secure storage during school hours. |
| Exceptions | Allows exceptions for emergencies, health management, and language translation needs. |
| Implementation Date | If passed, the new rules would take effect for the 2026-27 school year. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Senate Bill 78?
Senate Bill 78 is legislation approved by the Indiana Senate that prohibits students from using or possessing wireless communication devices, including cell phones, during the entire school day. Schools are required to adopt policies that either ban devices entirely or mandate secure storage during school hours. Exceptions are made for emergencies, health management, and language translation needs. The bill aims to reduce distractions and improve student focus and mental health. If passed, the new rules would take effect for the 2026-27 school year.
What is the Northwest Indiana Stadium Commission?
The Northwest Indiana Stadium Commission is a proposed entity established by legislation advanced by the Indiana Senate Appropriations Committee. Its purpose is to plan and finance a new stadium for the Chicago Bears, with the proposed location near Hammond, Indiana, approximately 22 miles from downtown Chicago. The initiative aims to attract the NFL team to relocate from Chicago to Indiana.
What was the 2024 law regarding cell phone use in schools?
The 2024 law, Senate Bill 185, prohibited students from using portable wireless devices, including cell phones, gaming devices, laptops, and tablets, during instructional time. Exceptions were allowed with teacher or administrator permission or in emergency situations. Schools were required to draft and publicly post their specific policies, including whether students could access devices during lunch and what consequences may apply for misuse.
What is Indiana House Bill 1292?
Indiana House Bill 1292, passed in April 2025, created a professional sports development commission aimed at attracting a professional sports franchise to Northwest Indiana. The commission was tasked with developing plans and recommendations for bringing a professional sports team to the region.
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