School Cell Phone Restrictions Pass

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 5^th grade: Cell phones would be prohibited on school grounds.
    • 6^th through 8^th grade: It allows cell phones at school but restricts their use during particular times.
    • 9^th through 12^th grade: Cell phones would only be prohibited during instructional time.
  • HB 4141 remains before the House Education and Workforce Committee.