Sponsors (3)
The bill trades reduced in-class distractions and funded support for implementation against new administrative costs, potential limits on student access to personal devices (with equity and privacy risks), and some risk of inconsistent application across schools.
Students will experience fewer in-class distractions because the bill enables banning personal devices during the school day, which can improve focus and learning outcomes.
DoDEA-operated schools will receive funding, equipment (lockboxes), and implementation support to make device-storage policies practicable and reduce classroom disruptions.
Students with medical needs, disabilities, and English learners will retain access to necessary devices via IEP/504/ADA accommodations or healthcare certification and defined exceptions, preserving supports and emergency contact ability.
Parents and students may lose access to smartphones and personal devices during the school day, complicating childcare coordination, medical communication, and immediate contact.
DoDEA, local schools, and federal staff will face added administrative burdens and costs to develop policies, procure lockboxes, implement the ban, and fulfill reporting requirements.
Students with disabilities and English learners could be disproportionately harmed if accommodations are not fully integrated into enforcement, limiting access to educational supports and necessary devices.
Based on analysis of 5 sections of legislative text.
Requires DoDEA to ban student use of cell phones and other director‑specified personal devices during regular school hours, funds implementation support, and mandates annual reports.
Introduced June 12, 2025 by Eugene Simon Vindman · Last progress June 12, 2025
Requires the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) to adopt a policy that prohibits students from using cell phones and other personal electronic devices deemed distracting during regular school hours in DoDEA-operated schools, while allowing enumerated exceptions (emergencies, medically certified use, documented disability accommodations, EL instructional use, use outside school hours, and other Director-approved cases). The Director may provide implementation support (including lockboxes or storage) and the bill authorizes $1,207,500 for FY2026 for that purpose. DoDEA must consult academic and local school leaders when crafting the policy and must submit annual implementation reports on costs and effects for five years.