Bill would require school districts to adopt cell-phone policies, aiming to reduce classroom distractions

Senate Bill 444, presented to the Assembly Education Committee, would require each Nevada school district—s board of trustees to adopt a policy addressing possession and use of personal electronic communication devices by students while on school property. The bill outlines required components including reasonable exceptions for emergencies, instructional use and individualized education program (IEP) accommodations, and asks districts to define progressive discipline for violations.

Sponsor Sen. Angie Taylor told the committee the bill—s aim is to give district boards authority and clarity while allowing local discretion on enforcement and the details of device policies. "The district would dictate what that looks like for them," Taylor said, noting some districts already use pouches or other measures and that parents often ask about access during emergencies.

Multiple education stakeholders testified in support. Brian Wallace, a Carson City middle-school teacher and Nevada State Education Association vice president, said non-locking signal-blocking pouches used in his district reduced device-related classroom disruptions and increased face-to-face student interaction during lunch. Clark County School District witness Brad Keating described a districtwide rollout of signal-blocking pouches for grades 6-12 and called the measure beneficial.

Supporters emphasized the bill is permissive in design: it directs each district to adopt a policy rather than imposing a single statewide model. Witnesses and members discussed implementation timing and noted districts typically have time during summer board meetings to adopt policies for the upcoming school year.

No opposition testimony was recorded; the committee closed the hearing after expressions of support and sponsor remarks.