Bill to ban cell phones in OK schools moves forward
OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – Two bills to ban cell phones in classrooms across the state of Oklahoma will be heard this week at the Capitol. Lawmakers backing the legislation said it would eliminate distractions at school.
"We've seen our academic scores decline. We've seen behavior problems go up. This is a pretty simple solution that really gets to the heart of the issue," said Rep. Chad Caldwell, R-Enid, who authored House Bill 1276.
Caldwell’s bill was heard during the House Education Oversight Committee on Monday and was unanimously approved.
It would remove student devices, including cell phones and smartwatches, but allow districts to add policies for emergencies like documented medical reason.
"We talked to some parents whose students may have had, for example, they may be diabetic, so they had a blood sugar monitor or something like that that they needed to be able to test that throughout the school day," said Caldwell.
The bill would also allow districts to opt out.
Senator Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, has backed the bill. She has a similar bill which will be heard in committee on Tuesday.
"Once you have one notification on your phone, it takes you about 20 minutes to refocus," said Seifried. "I think it's in the state's interest to create an environment where kids can learn. And I think what's good for a kid in the Panhandle will be good for a kid in southern Oklahoma and then a kid in my district.”
Seifried said she planned to make adjustments to her bill before it was heard Tuesday. She said she would be taking out $2 million in funding for schools which would have been used to help implement the ban.
"I really heard from a lot of districts that that wasn't necessary," said Seifried.
The concept has garnered support from both sides of the aisle this legislative session.
"While not wholeheartedly disagreeing, I think all of us can agree they're distractions and students have to figure out a way to manage their devices," said Rep. Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City and Minority Leader.
Caldwell said his bill, along with Seifried’s, still have a long way to go. He said he hoped his legislation would be heard on the House floor by the end of the week.