Committee adopts teacher-directed exception to bill limiting student cell phone use

The House Education Policy and Administration Committee on Thursday approved an amendment to Senate Bill 206, a measure that would require public schools to adopt policies limiting student use of cell phones and other personal communication devices during the school day. The committee adopted amendment 2249h, which creates a superintendent-approved exception for teacher-directed instruction, and then voted the bill "ought to pass as amended." Both votes were 9 yeas, 8 nays, 1 not voting.

Supporters told the committee they want statewide rules because teachers and administrators say local policies have been ineffective. "We have already had a bill passed through the House on consent and through the Senate on consent regarding cell phones," Representative Litchfield said, adding testimony and survey data that she said…