School Cell Phone Restrictions Pass

May 9, 2025

by Liz Gullett

As MLC’s Communications and Social Media Manager, Liz Gullett keeps clients informed and up-to-date on the goings on in Lansing and the Capitol.

Legislation requiring all school districts statewide to introduce cell phone policies was passed by the Michigan Senate this week.

Key Points:

    • SB 234 was introduced by Senator Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), a former teacher.
    • The bill only requires school districts to create policies, it doesn’t specify what those policies must be.
    • It was purposefully left ambiguous to allow districts to make policies that best fit their communities, recognizing that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work.
    • The bill allows for exemptions for medical use, device usage in an IEP, and emergencies.
    • The requirement begins with the 2025-26 school year.

Next Steps:

    • The bill was referred to the House Education and Workforce Committee for consideration.
    • House Bill 4141 is the House’s version of school cell phone restrictions. Their proposal goes further:
      • Kindergarten through 5th grade: Cell phones would be prohibited on school grounds.
      • 6th through 8th grade: It allows cell phones at school but restricts their use during particular times.
      • 9th through 12th grade: Cell phones would only be prohibited during instructional time.
    • HB 4141 remains before the House Education and Workforce Committee.

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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