Governor Kathy Hochul and New York state lawmakers have reached an agreement on a sweeping $254 billion budget for the upcoming fiscal year, featuring a proposed statewide ban on cellphone use in public schools and a slate of middle-class tax relief measures.

Hochul announced the tentative budget deal Monday night in Albany, highlighting key provisions aimed at protecting children, easing financial pressure on families, and bolstering public safety.

Under the agreement, New York would prohibit cellphone use in public schools during the school day—referred to as a “bell-to-bell” ban—starting in the next academic year.

“We’ve protected our kids from cigarettes, alcohol, and drunk driving,” Hochul said. “Now we’re taking on addictive technology that’s designed to hijack their attention.”

While full details of the policy are still forthcoming, the governor’s office has said individual school districts will have flexibility in how to store student devices during the day. Exceptions would be made for students with medical needs, learning disabilities, or limited English proficiency.

If enacted, New York would join at least eight other states—including California, Florida, and Virginia—that have implemented restrictions on student cellphone use in schools. Though many schools nationwide already limit phone use, enforcement is often inconsistent, especially when devices are allowed in hallways or during lunch.

“Bell-to-bell” bans aim to eliminate distractions entirely, though some parents have voiced concerns about being unable to contact their children during emergencies. Last year, New York City scrapped plans for a similar policy due to public opposition.

Beyond the classroom, the proposed budget includes several measures designed to ease financial burdens on working families. Key highlights include:

• Child Tax Credit Expansion: Up to $1,000 per child under age four, and up to $500 for school-age children.
• Free School Meals: A $340 million investment to provide free breakfast and lunch for K-12 students.
• Inflation Relief Checks: Payments of up to $200 for individuals and $400 for families to more than 8 million New Yorkers.
• Middle-Class Tax Cut: Though specifics were not provided, Hochul said tax rates would be lowered for over 8 million residents.

The budget also includes continued funding for public safety on the New York City subway system. The state will maintain support for deploying additional NYPD officers on overnight trains and funding mental health outreach for unhoused individuals.

“This budget is about protecting our kids, easing everyday costs for families, and keeping our communities safe,” Hochul said. Final legislative approval is expected in the coming days.