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Bill > SB142
AR SB142
AR SB142To Create The Bell To Bell, No Cell Act; And To Amend The Requirements For Public School Discipline Policies With Regard To Student Use Of Personal Electronic Devices.
summary
Introduced
01/29/2025
01/29/2025
In Committee
02/17/2025
02/17/2025
Crossed Over
02/04/2025
02/04/2025
Passed
02/18/2025
02/18/2025
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
02/24/2025
02/24/2025
Introduced Session
95th General Assembly (2025 Regular)
Bill Summary
AN ACT TO CREATE THE BELL TO BELL, NO CELL ACT; TO AMEND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR PUBLIC SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICIES WITH REGARD TO STUDENT USE OF PERSONAL ELECTRONIC DEVICES; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
AI Summary
This bill creates the "Bell to Bell, No Cell Act," which aims to address the challenges posed by cell phone and social media use in schools by establishing new requirements for public school districts' personal electronic device policies. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, all public schools must develop and submit a comprehensive policy regulating student use of personal electronic devices during the school day, which broadly includes smartphones, tablets, laptops, smart watches, and other digital devices. The policy must generally restrict device usage during school hours, with specific exemptions for emergencies, extracurricular activities, students with individualized education programs or Section 504 plans, and students enrolled in concurrent enrollment courses. Schools must publish their policies on their websites and can face accreditation citations for non-compliance. The bill recognizes the tension between protecting student safety and learning environments while also respecting communication needs, and provides that schools will not be liable for lost, stolen, or damaged devices confiscated under their policy. The legislation requires the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education to review and approve school policies and develop rules for implementation, reflecting a comprehensive approach to managing student technology use in educational settings.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (30)
Tyler Dees (R)*,
Jon Eubanks (R)*,
Justin Boyd (R),
Nick Burkes (R),
Rebecca Burkes (R),
Cindy Crawford (R),
Breanne Davis (R),
Hope Duke (R),
Jane English (R),
Brian Evans (R),
Scott Flippo (R),
Ben Gilmore (R),
Zack Gramlich (R),
Brad Hall (R),
Kim Hammer (R),
Bart Hester (R),
Missy Irvin (R),
Blake Johnson (R),
Mark Johnson (R),
Robin Lundstrum (R),
Mindy McAlindon (R),
Matt McKee (R),
Brit McKenzie (R),
Reginald Murdock (D),
Jim Petty (R),
Chad Puryear (R),
Scott Richardson (R),
Matt Stone (R),
Randy Torres (R),
Kendon Underwood (R),
Last Action
Notification that SB142 is now Act 122 (on 02/24/2025)
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