Senate panel unanimously approves bill requiring school districts to adopt cell‑phone policies

Senators Marchman and Frizzell sponsored House Bill 25‑1135, which would require every public school district and Charter School Institute (CSI) school in Colorado to adopt and publicly post a policy on student possession and use of cell phones and similar communication devices by July 1, 2026.

"The goal is to standardize how communication devices are managed in schools while ensuring exceptions for students with special needs," Senator Marchman said. The bill requires public outreach before adopting a policy, mandates reasonable exceptions (for example to comply with special‑education or medical needs), and requires the adopted policies be posted on a local education provider’s website.

Supporters — including Mental Health Colorado, Children's Hospital Colorado, the Colorado Education Association and school districts that have adopted district‑wide policies — told the committee they see a link between high smartphone use, classroom distraction and worsening adolescent mental health. Dr. Lauren Henry, a child psychologist at Children's Hospital Colorado, cited studies correlating more than three hours per day on social media with increased risk of anxiety and depression and said limiting phone use during the school day is associated with reduced cyberbullying and improved engagement.

District leaders who testified reported local experience consistent with the studies. Brian Hill, superintendent of Mesa County District 51, said his district implemented a smartphone policy this school year and saw immediate improvements in student engagement, social interactions and discipline incidents.

The committee adopted amendment L002 (technical clarifications and carve‑outs for devices issued by schools and guidance on considering media literacy and SEL), then passed the bill as amended to the Committee of the Whole by unanimous recorded vote. The sponsors and supportive witnesses emphasized that the bill preserves local control — districts may adopt different approaches (from a limited‑use policy to a complete ban) — and contains required exceptions for disability and medical needs.

Senators asked witnesses for sources and studies cited by mental‑health witnesses; Dr. Henry pointed to the U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory and recent peer‑reviewed studies linking screen time with mental‑health trends among adolescents. Proponents urged the committee to allow districts flexibility to tailor policies to local communities while giving teachers and administrators clearer backing to enforce rules.

Senator Frizzell closed by saying the bill is not intended to "roll back the clock" on technology but to help schools make choices that support learning environments. The committee unanimously moved the amended bill to the Committee of the Whole.