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Senators advance school cell‑phone policy bill after committee work and student testimony
Summary
LB140, a bill addressing cell‑phone use during instructional time, was advanced to engrossing after supporters said committee hearings and student testimony shaped a committee amendment; sponsors and committee members noted most Nebraska districts already have policies but that the bill clarifies state standards and exceptions.
Legislators voted to advance Legislative Bill 140 to engrossing after floor debate that highlighted committee hearings, student testimony and district experience with cell‑phone policies.
Sponsor and committee process: The motion to advance LB 140 to E & R was made on the floor by Senator Grama and supported by Senator Conrad, who described the education committee’s hearing and local polling of districts. Conrad said committee work gathered testimony from school leaders, the attorney general and students, and produced a committee amendment clarifying exceptions and implementation details.
Why sponsors support it: Conrad said the committee learned that “the statistic that was brought forward at the committee level was something north of 80% of our schools had some sort of cell phone restriction or cell phone policy in place, already.” Supporters described the bill as an effort to codify common practices so that instructional time is protected while allowing exceptions for students with medical needs or other accommodations.
Floor action: After debate the motion to advance LB 140 for engrossing carried by voice vote; the clerk recorded the bill as advanced.
Implementation notes: Senators emphasized that the bill was shaped by local feedback and committee amendments that consider special‑needs exceptions, emergency access and teacher discretion. School districts will be responsible for aligning local policy with any state standard adopted later.
Ending: LB 140 was advanced to E & R for engrossing on Select File; further amendments or a final vote could follow future floor sessions.
