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Committee backs TK–8 'bell‑to‑bell' smartphone ban with amendments, acknowledges local concerns
Summary
AB 16 44, proposing a bell‑to‑bell smartphone ban for TK–8 (with guidance for high schools), was advanced to appropriations after supporters including students and medical groups praised the policy while administrators urged more implementation time and local flexibility.
Assemblymember Marasucci presented AB 16 44 as a statewide effort to limit on‑campus smartphone use during instructional hours, describing evidence that excessive device use harms student attention and mental health. "The average teen spends over 8 hours a day on their cellular devices...the system we have now is not working," a student witness told the committee.
Supporters included student advocates, the American Academy of Pediatrics‑California and technology trade group TechNet, which argued that the bill creates a clear standard and preserves teacher‑approved instructional uses. "Creating more structured time during the school day helps to ensure students can fully engage with their teachers," TechNet's witness said.
Opponents — chiefly local administrators and school boards — warned that many districts have just adopted policies under prior law and that a new state mandate could force redundant work or unintended consequences. The Association of California School Administrators urged delayed implementation in districts that recently finalized local policies.
The author accepted committee amendments that narrow the scope (TK–8 mandatory; recommended approach for high schools with limited exceptions) and added a study requirement to track outcomes. Committee members stressed the importance of local outreach and a measured phase‑in. The committee voted to pass the bill as amended to appropriations and left the roll open for add‑on votes.
