Senate panel backs bill directing Idaho school districts to adopt distraction-free mobile-device policies

Senate Bill 1032, a measure that would require every Idaho school district to assess the impact of mobile-device use on students and develop a local “distraction-free learning” policy by the end of the year, was recommended for passage out of the Idaho Senate Education Committee.

Senator Burnt, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure does not prescribe a single statewide rule but instead directs local school districts to craft policies appropriate to their communities. “This legislation requires that all school districts in Idaho assess the impact of mobile device usage on students and develop a policy that promotes distraction free learning,” Senator Burnt said, adding that the bill “doesn't dictate what that policy states or what it looks like but grants school districts local control.”

Supporters who testified in person and virtually described classroom and behavioral improvements at districts that have implemented strict device rules. Derek Bub, superintendent of West Ada School District, said the district saw fewer classroom disruptions and improved engagement after adopting a district-wide policy. “At the middle school, we've seen a 45% reduction in behaviors,” Bub said. He told the committee the district also observed higher classroom engagement and a decrease in students meeting in bathrooms during instruction.

Laura Stone, chair of the Blaine County School District board of trustees, told the committee her district implemented a ban in August 2023 and reported “higher levels of participation, focus, and fewer classroom disruptions.” Student witnesses described improved social connections and learning. Jack Goughner, student body president at Eagle High School, said the policy allowed him to better connect with classmates: “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.”

The bill includes a statutory provision allowing districts to adopt exemptions. Senator Burnt cited the bill text—section 33-6802, subsection 3—as permitting policies to provide for exemptions, including health-related exceptions, school-provided learning devices, and accommodations tied to individualized education programs (IEPs). The sponsor also said “almost a hundred school districts took advantage of the money that was available to them by the governor's executive order that happened last fall,” as part of early local efforts to implement device policies.

Opponents at the hearing were limited; one public commenter urged caution about new laws and emphasized personal responsibility rather than additional regulation. Committee members asked how emergency communication and medical-device needs would be addressed; witnesses and the sponsor pointed to the bill's exemption language and to school staff and SROs as first responders who can coordinate emergency responses.

After testimony and questions, Senator Burton Shaw moved that the committee recommend the bill be sent to the Senate floor with a due-pass recommendation. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote; the transcript does not include a roll-call tally.

If enacted as written, the bill would require districts to adopt or update policies by the end of the year but would leave specific enforcement details to local boards and administrators.