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