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Bill

AB 948

Relating to: policies to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during the school day in public schools.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Armstrong and 11 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill requiring public schools to adopt policies restricting student wireless device use during school day to address classroom distraction and academic focus concerns.

Failed to concur in pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · AB 948

Legislative bill overview

AB 948 would require Wisconsin public schools to establish and implement policies that prohibit or restrict student use of wireless communication devices (primarily smartphones) during the school day. The bill mandates that districts create these policies but does not specify the exact restrictions, allowing individual schools flexibility in implementation.

Why is this important

Student phone use during school hours is a growing policy concern nationwide, with research suggesting both potential benefits (emergency communication, accessibility tools) and documented harms (classroom distraction, reduced academic focus, mental health impacts). This bill represents a legislative effort to address these concerns while deferring specific policy design to local school districts rather than imposing a statewide mandate.

Potential points of contention

  • Flexibility vs. clarity: The bill allows schools to set their own policies, which could create wide variation in restrictions and enforcement across districts, raising equity and fairness concerns
  • Special use exceptions: Questions remain about accommodations for students with disabilities, emergency situations, or legitimate educational uses of devices
  • Enforcement mechanisms: The bill doesn't specify how schools should enforce prohibitions, potentially creating discipline and due process questions
  • Parental control vs. institutional authority: Parents may resist restrictions on their ability to reach children during emergencies during the school day

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

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