NEW YORK (PIX11) -- During the unveiling of the fiscal year 2026 executive budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed a statewide policy to ban cell phones from classrooms. The policy, which she hopes to implement by the start of the next school year, would require all students to disconnect from their devices during school hours. "Last year I convened round tables across the State to discuss the impact of smartphones, not just in our classrooms but on our kids’ mental health," said Hochul. "I consulted parents, students, educators, school administrators, local leaders, and advocates as we worked to devise a solution to the complicated challenge posed by smartphones in schools." A total of $13.5 million has been allocated for schools to purchase pouches, cubbies, or other essential infrastructure for storing devices. Hochul stated that school districts will have the flexibility to determine how they want to manage device storage while ensuring compliance with regulations. Exceptions will be made for students who require devices for medical reasons, as well as for non-English speakers and students with learning disabilities. New York’s free community college plan: Who would benefit Other investments in education include funding for the "Unplug and Play" initiative, which will help build 100 new playgrounds and create over 100,000 out-of-school activities.