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HB 65

Public K-12 education; State Board of Education required to adopt model student cell phone use policy, local boards of education required to adopt cell phone use policy

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Sellers

Alabama requires state and local school boards to establish student cell phone use policies based on a state model framework to address classroom distractions and academic engagement.

Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Education Policy
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Bill Summary · HB 65

Legislative bill overview

HB 65 requires Alabama's State Board of Education to create a model student cell phone use policy and mandates that local school boards adopt their own cell phone policies based on this framework. The bill addresses growing concerns about classroom distractions and student engagement by establishing statewide guidance while allowing local flexibility in implementation.

Why is this important

Cell phone use in schools has become a widespread concern affecting student focus, academic performance, and mental health. This legislation attempts to create consistency across districts while empowering local communities to tailor policies to their specific needs—balancing standardization with local control, a recurring tension in education policy.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Local boards must develop new policies, requiring administrative time and resources that some smaller districts may find challenging
  • Enforcement challenges: Without clear consequences or accountability mechanisms outlined, effectiveness depends on school staff willingness to enforce policies consistently
  • Defining "model" policy scope: Disagreement likely over whether policies should permit phones for educational purposes, during emergencies, or ban them entirely—different communities may have conflicting priorities
  • Student privacy and accessibility: Balancing restrictions with legitimate needs (medical devices, safety apps, students with disabilities) may create legal compliance questions

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

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