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Committee agrees to ask AOE for bell‑to‑bell cell‑phone model policy, delays final vote on H.480 language
Summary
The House Education Committee discussed adding a model cell‑phone and social‑media policy to H.480 and agreed to ask the Agency of Education to draft a required, locally‑adoptable model policy; members deferred final action to allow time for technical review and possible testimony.
The House Education Committee asked the Agency of Education (AOE) to draft a model “bell‑to‑bell” prohibition on student cell‑phone use and to develop guidance on school communications platforms, then agreed to delay final action on H.480 to allow staff and members time to review the proposed language.
The committee chair said the AOE — working with school groups and associations — would produce a required model policy that school districts would be expected to adopt, and that the policy could include administrator‑level exceptions for Section 504 and individualized education program needs. An AOE representative described the proposal as a “bell‑to‑bell prohibition on cell phone use” with local exceptions allowed by school administrators.
Committee members said the draft aims to (1) require a schoolwide prohibition on phone use during instructional time, (2) prohibit schools from requiring staff or coaches to rely on unapproved social media platforms for direct communications with students, and (3) remove a mandate that students be required to use social media for coursework. Members noted they may drop the third element to avoid conflicts with media‑literacy lessons. The AOE would also be asked to address devices such as smartwatches and earbuds in its guidance.
Members agreed the model policy would take effect in the 2026–27 school year so local boards would have time to adopt or adjust policies during the summer. Several lawmakers urged that, if the committee adds substantial policy language to H.480, the committee should take testimony so members can hear practitioner and parent views before final passage. One member suggested the committee invite House Education staff to explain their parallel drafting work and to coordinate an amendment process so the House and Senate versions align.
Background: members said about half of districts currently have some phone policy, and existing practices vary (for example, some prohibit use in class but allow phones in hallways and lunch). The AOE and school groups (including school nurse and superintendent representatives) told the committee they have been collaborating on less‑prescriptive language to ease local implementation. The committee scheduled additional time for testimony and for AOE to deliver draft language before the bill is voted out.
Looking ahead: the committee agreed to allow one or two days for the AOE language to be shared and reviewed, and to invite witnesses if members request testimony. No final motion or vote on H.480 was recorded during this meeting.
