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Bill

HR 98

STUDENTS: Requests that the state Department of Education study and report relative to the impact of the law banning student possession of telecommunications devices during the instructional day

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chuck Owen

Louisiana directs its Department of Education to study and report on the real-world effects of the state's existing law banning student cell phone use during instructional time.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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Bill Summary · HR 98

Legislative bill overview

HR 98 directs Louisiana's Department of Education to conduct a study examining the effects of existing state law that prohibits students from possessing telecommunications devices (cell phones, etc.) during instructional time. The bill requires the department to report their findings back to the legislature, though it does not itself create new restrictions—it merely investigates the impact of an already-existing ban.

Why is this important

The study could inform future education policy decisions by providing data on whether the phone ban achieves its intended goals (improved focus, reduced cheating, better classroom behavior) or creates unintended consequences. Policymakers increasingly debate device restrictions as schools navigate balancing student focus with legitimate uses like emergency communication and accessibility tools.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill doesn't specify what metrics the study should measure (academic performance, discipline incidents, mental health, equity impacts), leaving significant discretion to the Department of Education
  • Enforcement variation: Schools likely enforce the policy inconsistently across districts, making statewide impact assessment methodologically challenging
  • Pre-determined conclusions: The unanimous passage (91-0) suggests little genuine debate; the study may serve to justify an already-preferred policy position rather than genuinely inform it

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

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