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Committee lays over bill to restrict student phone use after hours of testimony for and against statewide mandate
Summary
Senate File 508, a proposal to prohibit cell phones for K–8 students during the school day and limit classroom use for high school students, was laid over after more than an hour of testimony from psychologists, school leaders, teachers, parents and students debating student mental-health benefits, evidence from districts with bans, and local-control and safety concerns.
Senate File 508, a bill proposing statewide limits on student use of personal devices, drew some of the most contentious public testimony on the Feb. 23 Education Policy Committee agenda and was laid over for possible inclusion in the education omnibus bill.
Senator Mann, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure responds to widespread reports that phones harm focus, classroom culture and student mental health. The bill, as presented, would prohibit cell phones and smartwatches for students in grades K–8 during the school day (districts may store devices in lockers, classrooms or offices) and restrict classroom use for grades 9–12, while leaving implementation details to local districts.
Supporters cited local experience and mental-health expertise.…
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