Council backs statewide school cell-phone ban after close vote; some members say county overstepped

Northampton County Council on Feb. 19 adopted an amended resolution expressing support for Pennsylvania Senate Bill 1014, which would prohibit student cell-phone use during the instructional school day. The vote came after an amendment, and council debate focused on whether the county was exceeding its authority on educational policy.

Councilmember Warren introduced the resolution, saying the county supports efforts by the state General Assembly to provide “clarity and consistency” to help schools enforce reasonable restrictions. A motion to amend the resolution — striking a reference to the state senate and adding language to thank the senate for passing the bill — passed 8–1.

Several councilmembers voiced concerns about the county’s role. One councilmember said the council should “not overstep our bounds” and noted that the board is not a school board and does not have jurisdiction over school policy; another asked to see the bill text before voting to understand exceptions and how the measure would be written. Supporters said they were advancing a policy position to encourage state legislators to act and cited local examples where school-level policies reportedly improved student focus.

The council adopted the amended resolution by a close recorded vote (minutes record the final tally as 5–4). Members who voted to approve said the resolution simply urges state action and does not change local school policy; members who opposed said the council should refrain from directing or endorsing operational school rules without reviewing the bill’s language.

The resolution directs that copies be transmitted to the governor and Northampton County’s state legislative delegation. Council members requested that future similar resolutions include the bill text for review prior to a vote.