Starting next year, Georgia high school students won’t be allowed to access personal electronic devices during the school day after Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill extending the cellphone ban into law.

On Tuesday, Kemp signed House Bill 1009 as part of a ceremony where the governor signed nine pieces of legislation dealing with education.

The law will ban the use of cell phones, tablets, smartwatches, and headphones from the start of the school day until dismissal.

Students whose Individualized Education Program (IEP), Section 504 Plan, or medical plan requires the use of a device would still be permitted to access it as necessary.

“Here in the No. 1 state for business and opportunity, our classrooms must be safe learning environments that serve as launching pads for success in the workforce,” Kemp said. “The bills I signed today implement proven strategies to improve literacy and math scores, reduce distractions in the classroom, expand pathways to graduation, and further support hardworking educators and families. These are just the latest steps we’ve taken to create opportunity for all Georgians, no matter their zip code.”

The bill, designated a top priority of House Speaker Jon Burns, passed both chambers of the Georgia Legislature with overwhelming support earlier this year.

In 2025, lawmakers passed similar restrictions for Georgia elementary and middle school students. Since then, some educators say they’ve seen improvements in student focus, classroom behavior, and teacher stress.

While parents raised concerns over how they can be in touch with their children in case of emergencies, Burns argued that increased communication could cause issues during serious situations.

“What we’ve seen is, and what we’ve learned from some of the tragic situations we’ve had, like in Barrow County, that some of that communication certainly is good for the parent to understand that the child is safe, but it also interferes with the safety protocols in the school. So we believe that that’s a part of the whole discussion,” he said.

Along with the cellphone ban, Kemp also signed into law revisions to how literacy is taught across Georgia, new core math requirements for fourth and fifth graders, expanded childcare options for parents of pre-K students, and more.

Georgia was already going to see plenty of anglers this summer, but now they have even more reason to go fishing this season.

On Friday, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that his administration approved state permits for the 2026 red snapper season with much larger windows for fishing.

“For years, our Great Fishermen have been punished with very short federal fishing seasons despite record high fish populations and the states begging to oversee these permits,” Trump wrote. “We love and respect our fishermen and, unlike the Democrats, will only do good for them.”

When is Georgia red snapper season 2026?

Georgia anglers will be able to fish for red snapper from July 1 through Aug. 31. The state’s department of natural resources said via news release that, traditionally, the season has been limited to just a few days due to data uncertainty. But, if Georgia can show proficiency in data collection, the longer season could be extended for two more years.

Red snapper fishing laws

Anglers may keep only one red snapper per day. They must register their trips prior to departure using the Georgia DNR app, which will be released at a later date. They must also report their catch within 24 hours.

Georgia DNR coastal resources director Doug Haymans said “This is a major step forward for Georgia anglers….If anglers want longer, more reliable seasons, we need better data—and that comes directly from them. Reporting through the app is how anglers can help shape the future of red snapper fishing in Georgia.”

This Georgia baseball team excels when it’s threatened, shortstop Kolby Branch says.

It dominated during a brutal conference road stretch in April, then didn’t let up when returning home to Foley Field.

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