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HB 41

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.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Dan Howell

Tennessee bill requiring schools to mandate students keep wireless devices off and stored during instruction; withdrawn from consideration as of February 2025.

Withdrawn.
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Bill Summary · HB 41

Legislative bill overview

HB 41 would require Tennessee public schools and charter schools to adopt policies mandating students keep wireless devices (phones, tablets, etc.) turned off and stored away during classroom instruction, with limited exceptions. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated Title 49, which governs education law, and would apply statewide to all local education boards and charter school governing bodies.

Why is this important

Student phone use in classrooms is a documented distraction affecting academic performance and classroom management. This bill represents a statewide push to address smartphone use through policy rather than individual school discretion, reflecting broader national concern about device distraction in education. However, the bill was withdrawn on February 6, 2025, so it will not advance in its current form this legislative session.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement mechanisms unclear: The bill doesn't specify how schools should enforce device confiscation, storage, or what happens to devices during the school day, creating implementation questions
  • "Certain circumstances" undefined: The carve-outs for exceptions are vague and could lead to inconsistent application across districts or permit excessive loopholes
  • Digital divide and accessibility concerns: Students may rely on devices for medical alerts, emergency contact, or learning accommodations (e.g., students with disabilities using assistive technology), and a blanket policy could disadvantage vulnerable populations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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