House Sends Cellphone Ban to Governor
Measure bans personal devices during the school day from bell to bell
TOPEKA, Kan. — The Kansas House voted 84-39 on Tuesday to concur with Senate amendments to HB 2299, sending a bill to the governor that would ban students from using personal electronic communication devices during the school day. The measure would apply to all school districts and accredited nonpublic schools statewide.
The bill also would prohibit school employees from using social media to communicate with students for official school purposes. Supporters say the legislation is necessary to reduce classroom distractions and address cyberbullying across Kansas schools.
The divided vote reflected an ongoing debate over whether cellphone policies should be set at the state level. Rep. Stephanie Sawyer Clayton, D-Johnson County, argued such decisions should remain under the authority of local school boards rather than the Legislature.
The bill now awaits action from the governor.
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