Council advances 'Disconnect' bill to bar student cellphone use during school day

The Council of the District of Columbia gave first reading to the Disconnect Amendment Act of 2025 on Tuesday, a measure that would direct local education agencies (LEAs) to adopt policies prohibiting students from possessing or using personal wireless communication devices during the entire school day.

The bill, introduced by Councilmember Charles Allen Pinto (Councilmember Pinto), tasks the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) with developing a model policy for all schools to adopt and implement, while preserving device use for approved educational purposes, individualized education plans, medical needs, or emergencies. Pinto said the change is intended to reduce distractions and improve learning after noting low proficiency rates in district schools.

Supporters emphasized implementation time and community engagement. Councilmember Parker said a phased approach and extra time for schools and OSSE to develop plans would help ensure effective adoption. Councilmember Lewis George said he had met with students from Ward 4 schools who voiced support for reducing distractions and flagged cyberbullying and sleep deprivation as related concerns.

The bill's text clarifies that educators may use district‑issued devices for instruction and makes exemptions where required by a student's individualized education program or for medical/emergency reasons. The measure directs OSSE to produce a standardized policy for LEAs to adopt; OSSE will determine an appropriate implementation timeline.

The Council moved the bill for print and approved first reading unanimously. The bill will return for committee markup and subsequent readings before it can become law.

The vote recorded on first reading did not list individual roll call results in the transcript.