Legislation to ban cell phones and other electronic devices in K-12 classrooms has been pre-filed in the Alabama House of Representatives for the upcoming legislative session.
The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Patrick Sellers (D-Pleasant Grove), would amend the current state law, making it optional for local boards of education to adopt cell phone policies. Sellers' bill would change the current law and require the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) to develop a policy prohibiting the use of electronic devices policies, making it applicable to all K-12 schools in Alabama.
Sellers said he was stunned when he read the law because it states that local school boards can allow any pupil to carry a pocket pager, cell phone or other electronic communication device while on school property and may permit pupils to use those devices when permitted by the school administrator, teacher or employee.
"Teachers have told me of instances of students sitting in class with earbuds listening to music or something else and there's little if anything they can do about it," Sellers said. "I want to see a ban on these devices because not only does it distract the teacher, it distracts the students who want to learn."
Sellers's bill would require ALSDE to formulate the policy by January 2026. All local education boards would be required to adopt individual policies based on the state's model by the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year.
The only exceptions to Sellers' proposed ban are in the event of an emergency, to manage the student's health, or if the device is included in the student's individualized education program.
Lawmakers will deliberate on the bill during the 2025 legislative session, slated to commence in February 2025.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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