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Cell Phone Ban Heads to Governor's Desk
Wisconsin schools are a step closer to being cell phone free.
The Wisconsin Senate on Tuesday approved a plan that will require schools to ban all “non-educational wireless devices” in their classrooms.
"The legislature passed a bill that nearly 90% of Wisconsinites support: getting cell phones out of our classrooms so our kids can focus on learning,” Sen. Rachael Cabral-Guevara, R-Fox Crossing, said.
Instead of a one-size-fits-all state mandate, the legislature’s plan will leave the specifics up to individual school districts.
That means some schools may allow kids to have their cell phones, but not use them. While other schools may require kids to keep their phones in their lockers until the end of the school day.
The state’s Department of Public Instruction earlier this year said about 90% of Wisconsin public schools already have a cell phone policy in place.
Cabral-Guevara said the new legislation would take that to 100%.
"This is essential," Cabral-Guevara said during Tuesday's debate.
Cabral-Guevara said the legislation includes “exceptions to ensure student safety and educational flexibility.”
"These exceptions allow for school-issued devices, use in the event of a perceived threat, medical necessity, or technology that a teacher determines is beneficial for learning purposes," she explained.
Under the proposal, schools will have till July to get its plan on paper, and formally approved.
Despite some questions from Democrats, the Senate approved the cell phone ban on a 29-4 vote.
The Assembly passed the same plan back in February, it now heads to Gov. Tony Evers’ desk. The governor has not yet said if he will sign it.
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