Bill
Bill > SB29
WI SB29
Requiring school boards to adopt policies to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time.
summary
Introduced
02/12/2025
02/12/2025
In Committee
04/11/2025
04/11/2025
Crossed Over
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 Xwireless communication deviceY 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. LRB-1382/1 FFK:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 29
AI Summary
This bill requires school boards in Wisconsin to develop and implement a comprehensive policy restricting student use of wireless communication devices during instructional time by July 1, 2026. The policy must specifically define "wireless communication devices" to include cellular phones, tablet computers, laptop computers, and gaming devices that can transmit voice, messaging, or data communication. While generally prohibiting device usage during class, the bill mandates that school boards include specific exceptions to this rule, such as allowing device use during emergencies, for managing student health care, for accommodations outlined in individualized education programs or 504 plans, and for educational purposes authorized by teachers. The school board is also granted discretion to establish additional exceptions if they determine such flexibility would benefit student learning or well-being. Schools may also include potential consequences for policy violations, such as confiscating devices for the remainder of the school day. This legislation aims to minimize classroom distractions and promote a more focused learning environment while maintaining reasonable flexibility for appropriate device usage.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (15)
Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R)*,
Dan Feyen (R)*,
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),
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/sen/bill/sb29 |
| Analysis - LC Amendment Memo | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/lcamendmentmemos/2025/REG/SB29.pdf |
| SB29 ROCP for Committee on Education | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/education/1909165.pdf |
| Senate Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/SB29-SA1.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB29.pdf |
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