House Committee Approves Controversial Bill Mandating Schools Lock Up Student Cell Phones All Day

By Daniel Stefanski |

An Arizona legislative committee has advanced a bill aimed at enhancing student focus in schools across the state. The Arizona House Committee on Science & Technology unanimously passed HB 2484, which mandates that school districts and charter schools implement policies to regulate internet access and limit the usage of wireless communication devices during school hours. State Representative Beverly Pingerelli sponsored the legislation.

Pingerelli articulated the need for this initiative, stating that “the excessive use of cell phones in schools is a growing crisis that is harming our children’s education and well-being.” She emphasized that restoring order in classrooms is essential, asserting that the bill’s intent is to help students concentrate on learning, rather than social media distractions.

The proposed legislation aims to enforce restrictions on student access to social media on school-sponsored internet networks while also controlling personal device use during instructional time. It allows teachers to provide access to social media strictly for educational needs and grants students the ability to use devices in emergencies or when directed by instructors.

Support for the bill came from various education-related entities, including Stand for Children, AZ School Administrators, and the Arizona School Boards Association. The Arizona Education Association took a neutral stance on the proposal. Co-sponsoring representatives such as Biasiucci, Gress, Hendrix, and Márquez bolstered its backing.

With all nine committee members voting in favor, the bill now progresses to the full House, marking a significant bipartisan effort in Arizona’s legislative landscape.