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.

Recent Posts

Summer Energy Report Released

Summer Energy Report Released

This summer, Michigan residents can expect lower gas prices but higher residential electric rates and increased demand for natural gas, according to the Michigan Public Service Commission’s (MPSC) Michigan Energy Appraisal Summer Outlook 2025. Electricity: Demand is...

Governor Delivers Keynote

Governor Delivers Keynote

In keeping with tradition, Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered the keynote address at this year’s Detroit Chamber Mackinac Policy Conference. The theme of the address was “We can do hard things,” highlighting both past successes and challenges that remain. Key Points:...

Department Releases AI Plan

Department Releases AI Plan

This week, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) released the AI and the Workforce Plan. It aims to help Michigan gain up to $70 billion in economic impact and create 130,000 good-paying jobs. Key Points: In the next 5 to 10 years, AI is expected to...

Looking for older articles?

We’ve recently made improvements to our blog to provide a better user experience. If you’re searching for older posts, click here to search our archive.

Michigan Legislative Consultants

Michigan Legislative Consultants
110 W. Michigan Avenue
Suite 500
Lansing, MI 48933
517.372.2560
517.372.0130 fax

1001 Woodward Avenue
Suite 500
Detroit, MI 48226

MLC is proud to be the Michigan member of NASL