April 29, 2025 Governor Patrick Morrisey Signs Bills to Ban Cell Phones in Classrooms and Display the U.S. Motto in Schools ...

Shinnston, W.Va. - Today, Governor Patrick Morrisey was joined by students, legislators, and supporters at Lincoln Middle School to sign House Bill 2003, which prohibits the use of personal electronic devices in the classroom and Senate Bill 280, which requires public schools to display the U.S. Motto.

"As Governor, one of my top priorities is to improve West Virginia's educational rankings," said Governor Morrisey. "To do that, we must focus on academics and remove classroom distractions. The bills I signed today will help ensure a brighter future for students in the Mountain State."

House Bill 2003 empowers the local County Boards of Education to prohibit the use of personal electronic devices in class.

Senate Bill 280 requires public schools and institutes of higher education in West Virginia to display the US Motto, "In God We Trust."