Committee hears multiple bills to require district phone‑use policies during instructional time; sponsors plan a combined substitute

Committee members heard three complementary bills from Representatives Kathy Steinhoff, Greg (first name not recorded on the transcript) and Chairman Lewis (House Bill 306, House Bill 408 and House Bill 854) to require Missouri school districts to adopt policies that limit or prohibit student cell-phone use during scheduled instructional activities, while allowing local control over the specifics and enumerating exceptions.

Sponsors said the bills focus on removing a major classroom distraction to improve learning outcomes, citing both research and teacher reports of higher homework and test scores and better classroom engagement where phone restrictions have been implemented. Representative Steinhoff described national polling and local surveys showing broad public support; Representative Greg described teachers' reports that classroom attention and pacing improved after local restrictions.

The bills share a common minimum: prohibit a student from using, operating, possessing or keeping a cell phone or connected device on their person during regular instructional activities unless authorized by school administration or specified exceptions. Exceptions discussed included individualized education program (IEP) accommodations, health plans (for example, glucose-monitor apps), translation assistance for English‑language learners, curriculum‑required use, and emergency‑or health‑related needs. Sponsors emphasized they intended to preserve local control — districts would adopt the policy that best fits their community — and planned to prepare a house committee substitute that merges the draft bills and reconciles language on exceptions and enforcement.

Testimony in favor included Dr. Bryce Beck and James Russell from Cape Girardeau Public Schools, who described districtwide implementation and use of lockable pouches for devices across grades 6–12; their district reported improved on‑task behavior, increased teacher–student interaction, fewer freshman retentions and positive staff feedback after implementation. The Missouri State Teachers Association and Missouri NEA representatives testified in support; they said teachers repeatedly put phone policy at the top of lists of changes that would help classroom conditions and teacher retention.

The Missouri School Boards Association testified for informational purposes and urged local control, noting districts already have authority to adopt restrictions and that boards are best positioned to tailor policies. Administrators and sponsors discussed enforcement models and the need for district guidance on implementation and disciplinary procedures; sponsors said they would work with MSBA and DESE on suggested policy templates and implementation guidance.

Ending: Sponsors said they will combine the three bills into a committee substitute and continue refining exception language and enforcement details with school boards and DESE. No committee vote occurred on the phone‑policy bills in the hearing.