New York lawmakers have passed a long-overdue $254 billion state budget—more than a month late. One of the headline items Governor Hochul is highlighting: a new statewide “Bell to Bell” cell phone ban in all K–12 schools, taking effect this fall. Speaking alongside teachers, students, and NYSUT, Hochul said the ban is necessary to curb distractions and addictive tech habits among students. The policy makes New York the largest state to adopt such restrictions, despite some opposition from school districts.