Kansas HB 2299 bans phones and smartwatches in K-12 schools starting fall 2026, leaving districts to cover storage costs up to $180,000.

At least one Kansas district is projecting $150,000 to $180,000 just to equip secondary students with individual phone lockers, according to the Wichita Eagle. The state provided zero dedicated funding. Every dollar comes from local budgets.

Districts choosing fabric locking pouches — think Yondr, the magnetic-lock system concert venues use to keep audiences present — face an estimated $30 per unit. Statewide, the Kansas Division of the Budget put that figure at roughly $13.4 million if every student received one, according to the Lawrence KS Times. Lockers require a steeper upfront investment. Neither option came with a state check attached.

Legislators passed the policy. The price tag was someone else’s problem.

    • Rooster326@programming.devEnglish
      3·
      11 days ago

      What is the alternative that doesn’t invite High School students to be dishonest?

      Which to be clear, they 100% will do. Either for malicious reasons or just for a goof and a gaff

      There are literally high school students walking around with phones more expensive than my first car, and I’m not that old…

      • HerbGrower@slrpnk.netEnglish
        1·
        11 days ago

        How doesn’t this also encourage the same dishonesty? Claim to not have a phone, or have a spare.

        • Rooster326@programming.devEnglish
          1·
          11 days ago

          If they are going to put their phone in their sock, or up their prison pocket. No system is going to stop that.

          But individual lockers prevent someone from leaving with someone else’s phone…