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House approves 'Distraction-Free Education' bill banning personal cell phones in K–8 classrooms bell-to-bell
Summary
House Bill 340 requires schools to implement bell-to-bell bans on personal cell phones for grades K–8 (with IEP/504/medical exemptions), giving local systems flexibility beyond grade 8; the bill passed 143–29 after floor debate about implementation and emergency exceptions.
The Georgia House approved House Bill 340, the "Distraction-Free Education Act," by a recorded vote of 143–29, a measure that requires K–8 schools to implement a bell-to-bell prohibition on students' personal mobile phones during the school day. The law exempts students with IEPs, 504 plans or documented medical needs and leaves districts discretion to adopt policies for grades beyond eighth grade.
Sponsor Representative Scott Hilton told the chamber the policy is aimed at reducing distraction and returning classrooms to…
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