Senate committee backs bill directing Idaho school districts to adopt ‘distraction‑free’ mobile device policies

Senate Education Committee members voted to recommend Senate Bill 1032 to the full Senate after a public hearing that included students, superintendents and school board members who described academic and behavioral improvements from local phone‑restriction policies.

The bill, as described by sponsor Senator Burnt, would require each Idaho school district to assess the impact of mobile devices on students and adopt a policy that “promotes distraction free learning.” The measure sets an implementation deadline of the end of the year but does not prescribe a single statewide rule; it leaves the specific content of district policies to local authorities.

Supporters from several districts told the committee they had seen measurable benefits after adopting restrictions. West Ada School District Superintendent Derek Bub said the district has seen “a 45% reduction in behaviors” at the middle‑school level after implementing a districtwide policy and reported fewer classroom disruptions and higher engagement. Laura Stone, chair of the Blaine County School District No. 61 board of trustees, testified that staff reported “higher levels of participation, focus, and fewer classroom disruptions” and that the ban improved social interaction in hallways and passing periods.

Student witnesses gave personal examples of the effects. Jack Goughner, student body president at Eagle High School, said that requiring phones to be deposited in a classroom vault reduced temptation and improved attention: “The distraction of the cell phone in my pocket is like, you don't notice it. But when it buzzes in class, you're thinking about your phone.” Jack Stone, a West Ada student council co‑president, and Adeline Lewis, a student who said her grades improved after a phone‑vault policy, described similar academic and social benefits.

The bill permits districts to adopt exemptions. Senator Burnt cited the bill’s subsection language allowing districts to “provide for exemptions or exceptions to the use of electronic communication devices,” and he told the committee that health‑related exceptions — for example, a student who needs a phone to monitor insulin or insulin pump readings — and devices provided by schools or covered by IEPs could be allowed.

Testimony also addressed emergency procedures. In response to a question about active‑shooter scenarios, Senator Berndt read a statement from a Meridian Police Department SRO saying first responders prioritize students listening to staff directions and that teachers and administrators retain phones to contact first responders.

Committee members who questioned witnesses generally expressed support for local control. Several senators asked whether districts might implement policies at different paces; witnesses said some districts phased in policies and found gradual implementation helped community acceptance.

After testimony the committee approved a motion to send SB 1032 to the Senate floor with a “do pass” recommendation. The motion was made by Senator Burton Shaw and was seconded; the vote was recorded as carried by the committee.