SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois House Education Policy Committee unanimously approved a statewide school cell phone ban Wednesday morning.
This bill could require school districts to adopt policies to ensure students do not use their cell phones during class time in a way that meets the needs of their own community.
Districts would need to allow exceptions for high school students, children fulfilling an IEP, emergencies, student health, or when the device is used for translation services.
"The use of cell phones is causing a great distraction. It's an academic distraction," said Rep. Michelle Mussman (D-Schaumburg). "It adds to student anxiety. It contributes to bullying, and we really believe that all the research is indicating that students are much better off and more well focused and balanced when they have time away from their cell phones."
Schools will not be allowed to enforce cell phone bans through fines, fees or deployment of school resource officers and local law enforcement.
Senate Bill 2427 now moves to the House floor for further consideration.
Gov. JB Pritzker stood alongside Mussman and Sen. Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) to renew his push for the statewide cell phone ban in February.
"There is real harm being done by social media platforms," Pritzker said. "It interferes with our ability to give children the most productive educational environment possible, and frankly it's just time to get cell phones out of the classroom. They're distracting."
The idea gained unanimous support in the Senate last spring. Senate Bill 2427 will need to return to the original chamber on concurrence after it passes out of the House due to amended bill language.
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