Latest news with #SenateBill1296
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida's school cellphone ban moves forward after vote
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — A bill to ban cellphones in Florida schools took a step forward this week after passing a committee vote. Florida is one of the strictest states in the county when it comes to cell phones in school, and the rules are one step closer to being even tighter. If passed, Senate Bill 1296, filed by State Senator Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills), would establish a pilot program in six Florida school districts to prohibit students' use of cellphones for the entire school day, not just during time in the classroom. Students could use cellphones on the bus as well as before or after school hours while on campus. The bill includes exceptions, such as for a student with learning disabilities that need the aid of an electronic device or when necessary for medical emergencies. The current cell phone ban, passed in 2023, varies among grade levels, but this new proposal would apply to all students. The pilot program would involve two small, two medium, and two large districts, which have not been announced yet. Lawmakers would receive the data from the program by December of 2026. Some districts have already taken additional steps to the current cell phone ban, like Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas. 'In my district, we've had two schools who implemented on their own a no cell phone policy during the day and it has done remarkable,' said State Rep. Susan Valdes, (R-Tampa). The topic of phone-free school days is also being discussed in the house. While it has support, not everyone is on board. 'Things have changed because of school lockdowns and school shootings, I do have concerns if this ever were to go a step further in terms of the pouches where students wouldn't have access at all to their cell phones,' said State Rep. Lavon Bracy Davis, (D-Ocoee). Burgess said cell phones are a distraction and takes away from student's focus in the classroo,m . If the bill is passed, he hoping it can help students pay attention and succeed academically. This bill will now be voted on in the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee. If it is signed into law, it would affect July 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida's school cell phone ban pushes boundaries with new legislation
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — As more states follow in Florida's footsteps banning the use of cell phones in schools, state lawmakers in Tallahassee are continuing the conversation trying to take Florida's current ban one step in 2023, the legislature passed a bill that prohibited students from using cellphones at school during class time. That effort was spearheaded by State Senator Danny Burgess, (R-Zephyrhills), who now wants to examine the impact of phone-free school campuses on student behavior. Phones are distracting students. More states want schools to ban them Senate Bill 1296, aims to establish a pilot program in six Florida school districts that currently have or will be implementing a policy to prohibit the use of cell phones by students during the entire school day. That's not the only effort at the statehouse being taken up on this issue. To further address distracted learning, lawmakers are pushing to ban students from using their cell phones from the start of the day until the end. 'Cell phones not only cause constant distractions to a student's focus during the school day, which impedes their ability to learn, but it also has shown to increase bullying throughout the school day,' said State Rep. Demi Busatta, (R-Coral Gables). Busatta wants to build off of current Florida law with House Bill 949. The bill prohibits students from using wireless communication devices during the school day, rather than just during instruction time. 'It also requires schools to designate locations within the school building where students can use their cell phones with permission of a school administrator,' Busatta said. The bill, which just passed out of its first committee, has already rallied up support.'In my district, we've had two schools who implemented on their own a no cell phone policy during the day and it has done remarkable,' said State Rep. Susan Valdes, (R-Tampa). But even with the bill getting a green light, not everyone is sold. 'Things have changed because of school lockdowns and school shootings, I do have concerns if this ever were to go a step further in terms of the pouches where students wouldn't have access at all to their cell phones,' said State Rep. Lavon Bracy Davis, (D-Ocoee). However, despite those concerns, both Republicans and Democrats voted in favor of the bill moving forward. State Representative Dianne Hart, (D-Tampa) shared with 8 On Your Side that she sees both sides of the argument and wants to go back to her district and speak with parents and constituents to hear their thoughts on the issue. 'It does frighten me that kids cannot have their phones, but I can tell you that these children are so distracted by these telephones and that concerns me,' Hart said. 'That you're not learning because you're constantly playing with your phone.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Florida bill aims to test-run phone ban in schools
The Brief Florida Senate Bill 1296 would launch a pilot program studying the potential effects of a ban on phone use during the school day. Supporters argue that phones are a major distraction and lead to behavioral issues. There are concerns, though, including student safety along with enforcement. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - A new bill advancing in the Florida Legislature could disrupt the way students use their phones at school. Big picture view Senate Bill 1296, backed by State Sen. Danny Burgess, would launch a pilot program to see what happens when students are required to keep their phones put away during the school day. The proposed legislation comes after Gov. Ron DeSantis signed a separate law in May 2023 restricting the use of all wireless communication devices in public school classrooms, requiring that they must be powered off during instructional time and placed in an area designated by the teacher. State lawmakers on Wednesday sent the measure to three key Senate committees: Education Pre-K - 12; Children, Families, and Elder Affairs; and Rules. If it moves forward, the legislation would take effect on July 1, 2025. READ: SpaceX Starship test ends in explosion off Florida's coast: What we know Dig deeper The bill calls on the education commissioner to team up with six school districts – two small, two medium, and two large – to roll out and study a policy that bans students from using their phones throughout the school day. The Florida Department of Education would then gather data on how this affects student behavior and grades, delivering a report to lawmakers by Dec. 1, 2026. This trial run is intended to help decide whether a broader statewide ban makes sense. Sen. Burgess, a Republican representing Florida's 23rd District, introduced the measure in late February as part of a growing conversation about the impact of smartphones in schools. Supporters argue that phones are a major distraction and lead to behavioral issues, while opponents worry about restricting communication between students and their families. Click to open this PDF in a new window. Similar policies have been debated in other states, with some districts opting for partial bans and others going all-in. Florida's approach would be one of the most comprehensive test programs yet, aiming to see if a full-day phone ban makes a difference. CLICK HERE:>>>Follow FOX 13 on YouTube Local perspective Locally, some Tampa Bay-area school districts have already taken steps to curb phone use. Hillsborough County Public Schools implemented a policy restricting phone use during class, while Pasco County Schools has also tightened its rules, requiring students to keep devices silenced and out of sight during instructional time. Pinellas County Schools has made similar moves. These measures align with a growing trend of limiting distractions in the classroom, and SB 1296 could push those efforts even further. READ:'Trooper's Law': Dog abandoned on I-75 during Hurricane Milton evacuations inspires Florida bill The other side Not everyone is onboard with the idea. One of the main concerns is student safety. Some parents and educators argue that limiting phone access could make it harder for students to reach their families in an emergency, like a school lockdown or a natural disaster, although the legislation does call for the report to address such concerns. Enforcement is another sticking point. Critics doubt whether schools have the staff and resources to make sure the rules are followed fairly and consistently. What's more, some educators use smartphones as learning tools in the classroom. There's concern that banning them completely could disrupt tech-based learning strategies and limit access to useful educational apps. What they're saying FOX 13 viewers are sharing mixed reactions to the proposal. "It's a different world now. My kids were involved in lockdowns where the SWAT team and police were charging up the stairs. They need their phones in their possession. Make and set rules for how they are used and allowed in the class, not taken away," said Teresa Green, a mother who lives in Tampa. "I don't think they should be banned in high school. Middle school there should be limitations. Elementary school, they should be banned. Elementary kids do need them at school. Middle school, as a former teacher I know there are opportunities where teachers can incorporate them into lessons. High school, same as middle school and communication. There should be guidelines but not banned," said Jenny Duckworth, who lives in Bradenton. "I work at a middle school and sometimes it's a futile struggle to enforce the cellphone ban, but that's why it's a good law. It clearly is an addiction for these kids. Some teachers do use it as a teaching tool and that's the only time it should be used," said Adrienne Zampella, a middle school staff member. "Yes (phones should be banned at schools). We did perfectly fine without them. All classrooms have a phone and an intercom," said Lori Sowers, who lives in Brooksville. What's next As the bill makes its way through the legislative process, expect plenty of debate. Lawmakers are expected to gather and weigh input from educators, parents, and student advocacy groups before making a final decision. The Source Information for this story was gathered by FOX 13's Matthew McClellan. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app: Apple | Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
