Focus on Learning Act
School Cell Phone Bans: New Study and Pilot Program
The Focus on Learning Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It was recently sent to the House Committee on Education and Workforce for review. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
Legislative Progress
This bill has bipartisan support and addresses a popular topic, but it is still in the early stages and faces a crowded legislative calendar.
Key Points
- The bill creates a 5 million dollar pilot program to help schools become phone-free. Schools can use grant money to buy secure containers or lockers where students must keep their personal phones and devices during the school day.
- The Surgeon General would lead a two-year study to see how phones in class affect grades, mental health, and student behavior. This study will use data from the schools that participate in the new phone-free pilot program.
- Schools that join the program must have a way for teachers to contact emergency workers and a clear plan for how students can reach their parents. They must also talk to parents and teachers before applying for the money.
- There are exceptions for students who need their phones for medical reasons, students with disabilities, and students who are learning English and need a device for translation.
Impact Analysis
Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.
Milestones
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Votes
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
News
No related news coverage found for this legislation yet.
Source Information
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Focus on Learning Act
Data Sources
Sponsor
Cosponsors
(7)Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.