Day 36: Senate Sends Bill to Expand Student Cell Phone Ban to Governor’s Desk

The penultimate week of the legislative session got off to a busy start with the chambers taking committee and floor action on several education bills. Senate Floor Action House Floor Action Senate Approves 9-12 Student Cell Phone Ban and Math Reform Bill The Senate unanimously passed two education bills and approved a third with only two dissenting votes. HB 1009  by Rep. Scott Hilton (R-Peachtree Corners) banning student use of cell phones and other electronic devices from bell-to-bell in grades 9-12, beginning in the 2027-2028 school year. Students participating in dual enrollment, work-based learning, or apprenticeship programs off campus are excluded from the ban. E-readers are also removed from the list of prohibited devices. Bill supporters highlighted survey results collected by Georgia Southern University, in collaboration with PAGE, showing strong educator support for extending the existing K-8 ban to high school grades. Sen. RaShaun Kemp (D-Atlanta) offered an amendment that would have given schools the option to allow students to use devices during the transitional time between classes, but it was voted down. HB 1009 is now on Gov. Brian Kemp’s desk awaiting his signature. HB 1030  by Rep. Sandy Donatucci (R-Buford), the “Math Matters Act,” makes several significant changes
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