School cell phone ban moves one step closer at Capitol

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR) – If Oklahoma lawmakers have their way, cell phones could be banned in classrooms across the state before school starts in the fall.

There are currently two bills working through the Capitol: one in the Senate, authored by Sen. Ally Seifried (R-Claremore), and one on the House side, authored by Rep. Chad Caldwell (R-Enid).

"The difference between the Senate bill that you saw previously and the House bill that I'm presenting to you today is that each year, the local school boards can opt out of this," said Seifried.

The Senate Education Committee heard the House’s version Tuesday. It passed and will now move forward for consideration on the Senate floor.

It’s part of a growing trend. Several states across the country have either banned or restricted cell phone use in schools. Oklahoma has joined half a dozen other states pushing for similar policies.

If either one of the bills becomes law, it would go into effect in July.

Some lawmakers argued that it might make for a short turnaround for districts to prepare for the start of school in August.

"I don't think it will come as a surprise to any school board in this state or any administrator in the state that something was coming this year," said Seifried.