A measure to ban student cell phone usage during the school day clears an important hurdle in the Oklahoma Legislature.

 

House Bill 1276, known as the “Bell to Bell, No Cell” bill, has been approved by the House Common Education Committee. The bill was written by Representative Chad Caldwell, an Enid Republican, aims to eliminate distractions in the classroom and improve students' mental health. The bill would require Oklahoma school boards to adopt policies prohibiting cell phone use on campus before the start of the next school year. Personal electronic devices, including smartwatches, are also included in the measure.

 

The “Bell to Bell, No Cell” bill would give local school boards the option to allow student cell phone use under the provision that the policy would be approved annually. It would also include a provision for emergency use, including items used for medical issues.

 

The measure moves onto the House Education Oversight Committee where it must also gain approval before it can be heard on the House floor for a full vote.