ELEPHANT BUTTE, NM — On the final day of bill signings, Governor Michelle Luján Grisham signed Senate Bill 11 into law, offering a rare moment of bipartisan consensus amid a flurry of vetoes and sharp criticism aimed at the Legislature. The measure, sponsored by Senator Crystal Brantley (R-Elephant Butte) and Senator Moe Maestas (D-Albuquerque), directs every public school district to adopt a clear, enforceable policy to manage student cell phone use during the school day.

In addition to setting policy expectations, SB 11 also creates a grant program for schools to access resources to implement technologies like phone lockers and secured storage solutions—tools that help reduce classroom distractions and improve student engagement.

Backed by growing national research, the legislation responds to widespread concern among parents and educators. A recent survey found that 72% of high school teachers report that cell phones are a major distraction in the classroom, while 83% support an all-day, phone-free policy. These disruptions have been linked to lower test scores, increased anxiety, and decreased student engagement.

Senator Brantley issued the following statement:

"This bill isn’t just about test scores. It’s about showing our kids that we care enough about their future to take practical steps forward when we can. The road to lifting New Mexico from the bottom in national education rankings is long—but this is one step in the right direction. Reducing distractions helps not only academic outcomes but also our students' mental health, safety, and focus. I’m grateful to Governor Luján Grisham, Senator Maestas, and my colleagues in both chambers for supporting this common-sense policy."

The full signed bill is available here.