14-02-2025
'Bell to Bell, No Cell' Legislation passes first hurdle
OKLAHOMA CITY — Local legislatures participated in the House's overwhelmingly passage of its first bill prohibiting cell phone use on school campuses.
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If approved, it will go into effect July 1.
Chairman of the House Appropriations Education Subcommittee Chad Caldwell authored House Bill 1276 to eliminate distractions in the classroom and improve student academic outcomes.
The bill is the first bill of the 60th legislative session Thursday. If passed, the bill would prohibit students from using cell phones during the school day. It would also include personal electronic devices, including smartwatches. Under HB1276, school boards could allow student cell phone use, but the policy must be approved annually.
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The legislation requires that any policy prohibiting cell phone use also include a provision for emergency use, including items used for medical issues. The bill also leaves it up to the local district to implement the cell phone ban.
'The research is clear – cell phone use among young students is not only bad for their mental health, but also hurts academic outcomes,' said Caldwell. 'To pass meaningful legislation this early in the session with overwhelming bipartisan support is a testament to how important this issue is. Our kids and teachers deserve a phone-free environment at school, and we are well on our way to making that a reality.'
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The bill passed the House floor with a vote of 82-9 and will now move to the Senate for further consideration.
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