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Committee clears cleanup to Phone‑Free Schools Act to clarify emergency flexibility for administrators
Summary
AB 962, a technical cleanup to the Phone‑Free Schools Act, passed the Education Committee; sponsors said it provides clearer guidance for smartphone policies and school safety plans.
The committee advanced AB 962, a cleanup measure related to the Phone‑Free Schools Act originally enacted in 2019. Assemblymember Hoover brought the bill, which aims to clarify existing law so administrators have discretion and guidance to reconcile smartphone rules with comprehensive school safety plans.
Dorothy Johnson of the Association of California School Administrators, a sponsor, told the committee the bill provides “clear guidance for school policies” and helps local administrators adapt phone‑limitation rules when safety plans require deviations. Supporters also included California IT and Education, Small School Districts Association, the California School Nurses Organization and youth organizations.
No opposition witnesses appeared in the hearing record. Committee members supported the cleanup and noted school safety plans need continued updating. The committee recorded the motion and later reported the bill out of committee; the hearing record shows a 6‑0 committee disposition.
Sponsors said the cleanup is intended only to clarify how schools adopt and align safety plans and smartphone rules and does not expand the substance of prior law.
