Education - As introduced, requires each local board of education and public charter school governing body to adopt a wireless communication policy that requires students to keep wireless communication devices turned off and stowed away during a classroom instructional day or during instructional time except in certain circumstances. - Amends TCA Title 49.
HB 41 would require Tennessee public school districts and charter schools to adopt policies mandating that students keep wireless communication devices (such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops) turned off and stored during class time. Exceptions include using devices for educational purposes with teacher permission, for health monitoring as prescribed by a healthcare provider, or if device use is part of a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan. The policy must also establish a process for schools to contact parents during emergencies. This bill would apply to the 2025-2026 school year and beyond if enacted.
Bill status
died
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 14, 2025
Last action Feb 6, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
6
Key actions
1
Committee
3
Jan 28, 2025
Committee
Assigned to s/c Education Administration Subcommittee
lower
Jan 16, 2025
Committee
Ref. to Education Committee
lower
Jan 15, 2025
Lower · Passed
P2C held on desk, pending appointment of Standing Committees
lower
Jan 14, 2025
Introduced
Intro., P1C.
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Dan Howell
RRepublican
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