Committee approves state bell-to-bell cellphone restriction for public schools after lengthy debate

Vice Chair Senator Seifried presented Senate Bill 139, which would require public school districts to adopt bell-to-bell policies prohibiting personal electronic devices during the school day, while exempting school-issued or approved devices.

The sponsor described a two-year effort and said the change was driven by teachers, parents and school leaders who reported classroom distractions, worsening behavior and negative effects on academic outcomes. She said the law would require district policies and permit exceptions (for medical needs, instructional uses, and other district-determined allowances).

Opponents emphasized local control and warned a statewide mandate is a one-size-fits-all solution that could be counterproductive. Senators argued about the balance between statewide consistency and local flexibility; concerns included protecting parents’ authority to decide device use, ensuring medical and safety exceptions (for example, students with diabetes using devices for glucose monitoring), and preserving students’ ability to document misconduct.

Supporters pointed to teacher retention and classroom management benefits, and several members read a teacher’s statement that a strict device policy improved classroom focus and reduced documented incidents. The sponsor repeatedly said she preferred a statewide approach so that students moving between districts would have consistent protections and teachers would not bear the sole burden of enforcement.

After extended questioning on exemptions, data collection, and the role of local boards, the committee voted 7-5 to pass Senate Bill 139. The sponsor said other state legislatures have adopted similar rules and she would continue to refine implementation details with districts.