Iowa senate passes proposal to restrict cell phones in public schools
DES MOINES, Iowa (KCCI) - Iowa lawmakers are one step closer to restricting cell phones in public schools.
The Iowa senate unanimously passed the proposal Monday.
The bill bans the use of electronic devices during instructional time.
School boards are also required to adopt policies instructing parents how to communicate with their children during an emergency.
The bill allows parents to petition the district if they feel their child needs their device for major reasons, such as health.
Republicans say the bill is a step in the right direction, however some Democrats worry it doesn’t do enough.
“There is a concern about the mental health and the mental wellbeing of students who spend a majority of time on electronic devices, especially with social media,” Sen. Lynn Evans (R-Aurelia) said.
Some Senate Democrats expressed frustration with the bill. Sen. Herman Quirmback (D-Ames) called the bill a “minimalist approach.”
The bill passed by the senate is different from the version passed by the house last week.
The house now needs to approve it before it can head to Governor Reynolds.
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