NASHVILLE, Tenn. — A bill requiring Tennessee school districts to adopt policies that ban cellphone use during class has passed the state Senate and is now heading to Gov. Bill Lee for his signature. The legislation, known as HB 932, was introduced by Rep. Rebecca Alexander (R-Jonesborough) and aims to reduce classroom distractions and combat internet bullying among students.
The bill mandates that all public schools in Tennessee implement policies prohibiting the use of “wireless communication devices” — including cellphones, tablets, and laptops — during instructional time. However, certain exceptions are allowed, such as for emergency situations or students with disabilities who need these devices for educational purposes.
Sen. Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin), the Senate sponsor of the bill, expressed that the primary goal is to minimize interruptions in the classroom environment. During a Senate floor debate on Thursday, Haile noted that many school districts already have similar policies in place, and he emphasized that the measure would ensure uniformity across the state. Additionally, Haile suggested that school districts could choose to extend the cellphone ban to lunch periods in order to reduce bullying, which often takes place during those times.
The bill received bipartisan support, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agreeing that limiting cellphone usage during school hours could help foster a more focused and safe learning environment. Sen. Rusty Crowe (R-Johnson City) voiced his support for the measure, acknowledging concerns from parents about being unable to contact their children in emergencies. However, Crowe argued that having multiple people trying to make calls or send texts during a crisis could disrupt emergency response efforts, potentially undermining safety plans.
The Tennessee Senate passed the bill in a unanimous vote of 30-0, though Nashville Sen. Heidi Campbell abstained from the vote. While Campbell applauded the intent of the bill, she expressed the belief that decisions regarding cellphone use should be left to local school districts rather than dictated by state policy. She pointed out that Metro Nashville Public Schools already had a similar policy in place.
Having passed both the House of Representatives and Senate, the bill now heads to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk for approval. If signed into law, the policy will take effect July 1, 2025, in time for the 2025-2026 school year.
The introduction of HB 932 is part of a growing trend in schools across the United States to reconsider the role of technology in the classroom, with many educators and lawmakers seeking to limit distractions and improve student focus. While some critics worry about the impact on communication during emergencies, supporters believe the law will create a more productive and less disruptive school environment.
