Senate committee approves 'Bell to Bell No Cell' bill to restrict personal devices during school day

The Senate Education Committee voted to pass Senate Bill 142, the "Bell to Bell No Cell Act," which would bar personal cell phone use during the school day while allowing each school district to choose how to implement that restriction.

Senator Tyler Deese, sponsor of the bill, said the measure aims to give school districts clarity and confidence while allowing local control over how devices are handled. "This bill is an important bill," Deese said, adding the law would let districts decide whether to use pouches, lockers, backpacks or classroom cubbies to satisfy a bell-to-bell restriction.

Supporters said research and a recent state pilot program show benefits for discipline, attendance and classroom engagement. Eric Bertholdt, a Siloam Springs school board member and parent of four, told the committee the district's phone policy introduced last summer brought positive feedback from…