Education committees in both the House and Senate met for the first time this session to discuss the same concern – student use of cell phones and other electronic devices in the classroom. Lawmakers in both committees expressed similar concerns about the negative impact of cell phones on student learning, mental health, and bullying.

While both bills require the governing bodies of public school units (PSUs) to adopt a cell phone or wireless communication policy, there are subtle differences in two bills’ language affecting the scope of the policy. HB87: Cell Phone-Free Education requires the policy to eliminate or severely restrict student cell phone access during instructional time. During the House K-12 Education committee, representatives emphasized that the ultimate policy choice is at the local level, as school boards retain flexibility in interpreting “severely restrict,” allowing for instructional use of cell phones when appropriate.

On the other hand, SB55: Student Use of Wireless Communication Devices is more restrictive, applying to all wireless communication devices, which includes cell phones, tablets, computers, paging devices, two-way radios, and gaming devices. The bill requires the policy to, at minimum, prohibit students from using, displaying, or having a wireless communication device turned on during instructional time. Exceptions to this include teacher-approved educational use, emergency situations, requirements in a student’s individualized education program (IEP) or section 504 plan, and a student's health-related needs. Additionally, the bill requires the establishment of student consequences for violations and for PSUs to submit their policies to the Department of Public Instruction, along with any additional changes.

Both bills received favorable reports and advanced for further consideration. SB55 is anticipated to be heard on the Senate floor for a vote next week. If either is enacted, the law would take effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.

The House Education Committee also discussed HB2: Entry Fees for HS Interscholastic Events, which would require public middle and high schools to accept cash as a payment option for admission to sporting events. Little discussion was held, and the bill received a favorable report with a referral to Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House for further consideration.