NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A bill requiring all Tennessee school districts to adopt policies banning cellphone use in classrooms is one step closer to becoming law.
Monday, March 3, lawmakers in the Tennessee House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed HB 932, by Rep. Rebecca Alexander (R-Jonesborough), by a vote of 80-10, with one lawmaker abstaining.
According to the text of the bill, school districts in Tennessee would be required to adopt a policy governing the use of any “wireless communication device,” including but not limited to cellphones, tablets, laptops and gaming devices.
The policy must contain a provision prohibiting the use of the wireless communication device during instructional time unless it is being used for educational purposes or it is necessary to use the device for the student’s health or an emergency. Additionally, an amendment made to the bill during the House floor debate on Monday allows for the devices to be used if they are included in the student’s individualized education program (IEP) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), or under an active 504 plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
The bill’s text also outlines a pathway for parents and guardians to contact students in the event of an emergency.
If passed in the Senate and sent to Gov. Bill Lee for his signature, the law would take effect on July 1 and begin for the 2025-2026 school year and every school year thereafter.
