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.
SB 18 requires Tennessee public schools to create policies mandating students keep wireless devices (like phones, tablets, and laptops) turned off and stored during class time, with grade-specific rules: K-8 students must keep devices off/stowed all day, while 9-12 students must do so during instructional time. Exceptions include teacher-approved educational use, health monitoring with a provider's note, and device use permitted by a student’s IEP or 504 plan. The policy also mandates schools establish a process for contacting parents during emergencies. This applies to all public schools and charter schools starting with the 2025-2026 school year.
Bill status
died
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 14, 2025
Last action Feb 5, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
5
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Feb 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
Recalled from Senate Education Committee
lower
Jan 15, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education Committee
upper
Jan 14, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Todd Gardenhire
RRepublican
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