Bill
Bill > AB2
WI AB2
Requiring school boards to adopt policies to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time.
summary
Introduced
02/03/2025
02/03/2025
In Committee
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
Crossed Over
02/19/2025
02/19/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires each school board to adopt, by July 1, 2026, a policy that generally prohibits pupils from using wireless communication devices during instructional time. For purposes of these policies, the bill requires each school board to define a “wireless communication device” as a portable wireless device that is capable of providing voice, messaging, or other data communication between two or more parties. The bill expressly states that this definition must include cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and gaming devices. Finally, under the bill, each school board must include in its wireless communication device policy exceptions to the general prohibition against using wireless communication devices during instructional time 1) for emergencies and perceived threats, 2) to manage a pupil’s health care, 3) for a use included in an individualized education program or 504 plan, and 4) for a use authorized by a teacher for educational purposes. The bill also authorizes a school board to include other exceptions if the school board determines that doing so is beneficial for pupil education or well-being.
AI Summary
This bill requires school boards in Wisconsin to adopt a comprehensive policy prohibiting students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time by July 1, 2026. The policy must broadly define "wireless communication devices" to include cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and gaming devices that can transmit voice, messaging, or data communication. While establishing a general prohibition, the bill mandates specific exceptions to the device ban, allowing students to use wireless devices: 1) during emergencies or perceived threats, 2) to manage personal health care, 3) as specified in individualized education programs or 504 plans, and 4) when a teacher authorizes use for educational purposes. School boards are also granted discretion to include additional exceptions if they believe such flexibility would benefit student learning or well-being. The policy may include potential consequences for violations, such as device confiscation for the remainder of the school day. This legislation aims to minimize digital distractions in the classroom while maintaining necessary flexibility for educational and safety purposes.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry, Education
Sponsors (15)
Barbara Dittrich (R)*,
Robert Donovan (R)*,
Chanz Green (R)*,
Brent Jacobson (R)*,
Joel Kitchens (R)*,
Dan Knodl (R)*,
Paul Melotik (R)*,
Dave Murphy (R)*,
Jeff Mursau (R)*,
Amanda Nedweski (R)*,
Jerry O'Connor (R)*,
David Steffen (R)*,
Ron Tusler (R)*,
Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R),
Dan Feyen (R),
Last Action
Available for scheduling (on 04/11/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab2 |
| AB2 ROCP for Committee on Education | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/education/1909164.pdf |
| Assembly Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/AB2-AA1-AA1.pdf |
| Analysis - LC Amendment Memo | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/lcamendmentmemos/2025/REG/AB2.pdf |
| Assembly Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/AB2-AA1.pdf |
| AB2 ROCP for Committee on Science, Technology, and AI | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/assembly/science_technology_and_ai/1901208.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB2.pdf |
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