A proposal that would require Nebraska school boards to adopt policies regarding student use of cellphones gained first-round approval from lawmakers March 3.

LB 140, as introduced by Bellevue Sen. Rita Sanders at the request of Gov. Jim Pillen, would require Nebraska school boards to adopt a policy before the 2025-26 school year prohibiting student use of cellphones while on school property or attending school functions. These policies also could include discipline and enforcement mechanisms.

Sanders said some school districts, such as Bellevue Public Schools, already have enacted cellphone policies in response to classroom distractions. LB 140 aims to expand those efforts statewide, she said, while maintaining local control and allowing districts to create their own policies.

“It’s time to prioritize student success by eliminating unnecessary distraction,” Sanders said.

Under the bill as introduced, students could use cellphones when:
● required by a student’s individualized education program and 504 plan;
● authorized by a teacher for education purposes during instructional time;
● in case of emergency or perceived threat of danger;
● necessary to manage a student’s health care; and
● determined appropriate by the school board or otherwise allowed by an appropriate school employee.

An Education Committee amendment, adopted 42-0, would limit school cellphone policies to a school instructional function, changing broader original language that aimed to restrict cellphone use at all school functions.

Also, the amendment clarifies that the bill would apply to all electronic communication devices, not just cellphones, and that school districts rather than individual teachers may permit device use for education purposes.

Speaking in support of the bill, Lincoln Sen. Danielle Conrad said the measure would alleviate the pressure on students to constantly check their phones throughout the day, enabling them to focus on learning without distractions.

Additionally, Conrad said, the bill strikes an appropriate balance by providing exceptions for students who need access to their cellphones for educational purposes or to manage their healthcare needs.

Seward Sen. Jana Hughes also supported the measure. Though many school districts have already established cellphone policies, she said, LB 140 protects local control and enables school districts to adopt policies that best suit their needs.

“I think we all clearly can say a cellphone — even for us adults — is a distraction,” Hughes said. “If we can keep that away from the periods (when students) are learning, that is a good thing.”

Bennington Sen. Wendy DeBoer spoke in favor of the bill but suggested that clarification was necessary regarding smartwatches, ensuring that students who use them to tell time are not disciplined.

“I just want to make sure that we are not accidentally creating those unintended consequences,” she said.

After adopting the committee amendments, senators voted 44-0 to advance the LB 140 to select file.

(The Unicameral Update is the official news service of the Nebraska Legislature.)

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