New MI Law Could Limit Cellphone Use In Schools: Here's What To Know

MICHIGAN — Michigan lawmakers are moving closer to some kind of resolution to limit cellphone use in K-12 schools.

The Democratic-led Michigan Senate passed SB 234 on Tuesday by a 28-9 vote. The bill would require school districts to determine their own policies to restrict student cell phone use during school hours.

Those hours would include time spent in class, between classes, lunch and recess. The bill does include some exceptions, such as emergency situations, medical use and devices included in individualized education plans.

The bill would require those policies to be implemented by the start of the next school year in September.

"I believe that each school district should be able to provide a policy that's right for the school community they service," Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), who sponsored the bill, said.

The Republican-led Michigan House also proposed a similar bill in February, but it excludes the exceptions listed in the Senate bill.

It also puts in a statewide ban prohibiting cellphones for elementary students on school grounds. Additionally, it bans middle school students from using phones during instructional time, lunch and recess, and during instructional time for high schoolers.

It's clear Michigan lawmakers are moving toward restricting cellphone use during school hours. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has also signaled support for limiting the use of cell phones during school hours.

But it remains unclear what exactly it will look like as lawmakers continue negotiations over the next weeks/months.