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Committee backs bill allowing districts to adopt stricter student wireless‑device rules; amendment clarifies disabilities accommodations
Summary
House Bill 932 would require local boards and charter-school governing bodies to adopt and publish student wireless-device policies, authorize teachers to withhold devices in certain circumstances, and include an amendment clarifying provisions for students with disabilities. The committee advanced the bill 16-1.
NASHVILLE — The House Education Committee voted 16-1 to advance House Bill 932, a bill requiring each local board of education and public charter school governing body to adopt and publish a wireless communication device policy for students that includes allowable classroom usage and, in certain circumstances, authorizes teachers to withhold a student’s device.
Sponsor Representative Alexander offered amendment 3703, which the committee adopted; the amendment makes more specific provisions for students with disabilities. Representative Alexander said the amendment clarifies how the policy applies to students covered by individualized education programs and related services.
The committee heard testimony from two district leaders who said stricter rules reduced classroom distraction and improved student engagement. Arnold Bunch, superintendent of Hamlin County Schools, described a policy his district implemented in April 2024 that banned personal communication devices during the school day with limited exceptions. Bunch said teachers reported students were "more engaged, more focused, and less distracted" after implementation. He also listed misconduct the district experienced prior to the ban, including drug deals facilitated by phones, bullying, and filming of fights.
Grant Swallows, representing Warren County, said his district’s board pursued a similar policy after teachers documented students receiving dozens of device notifications in short periods. Swallows said educators told him the ban was a "game changer" and reduced classroom distractions.
Committee members pressed witnesses on parental communication during emergencies and on whether all districts already have device policies. Witnesses said districts retain phones in classrooms for official staff use and will communicate with families during incidents; Hamlin County required students to store devices in backpacks (not on their persons) and allowed phones again when students exited school at day’s end.
With the amendment clarifying disability accommodations, the committee advanced HB932 to the Calendar and Rules Committee.
