Committee hears sponsor testimony on bill to prohibit student cell‑phone use during instruction

Senator Timken presented sponsor testimony for substitute Senate Bill 158, saying the legislation would prohibit student use of cell phones during instructional time to reduce classroom distractions and improve academic and social outcomes.

"This legislation is a common sense approach to unplug our children from the constant flow of distractions during vital times in which they are in the classroom," Timken told the panel, adding that school districts that have restricted cell‑phone use reported improved academic performance and fewer instances of cyberbullying. The Senate Education Committee added two amendments to protect students who need phones for health monitoring and to require districts to adopt an emergency‑use policy.

Committee members pressed on implementation details: Representative Piccolantonio and others asked whether students could still carry devices on their person or must store them in lockers or district‑specified pouches. Timken said the bill prohibits "use" but leaves the specific method of prohibition to each district. Representatives also asked whether the bill would cover other internet‑connected devices such as smartwatches or handheld gaming devices; Timken said the measure focuses on cell phones as a first step and that additional devices were not included at this time.

Several members raised questions about coverage of private and charter schools that receive state funds and about enforcement burdens for districts. Timken said the bill targets public schools and that districts would develop local procedures, while acknowledging ongoing conversations with superintendents and educators informed the bill's amendments.

Why it matters: The bill seeks a statewide floor for device restrictions, shifting some decisions away from local boards. Supporters argued the measure reduces in‑class distractions; critics and questioners emphasized local control, administrative burden, and gaps for other connected devices.

What’s next: This was the bill's first hearing; sponsors indicated willingness to answer additional questions and accept amendments addressing scope and enforcement.