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FRANKFORT — Legislation prohibiting Kentucky public school students from using their cell phones during class is a step closer to becoming law.
The House Education Committee gave bipartisan approval Tuesday to House Bill 383 , which would require local school boards to adopt policies banning students from using cell phones during “instructional time.” A few committee members noted that while they were in favor of preventing students from using their devices during class, it might be easier said than done.
Rep. Steve Riley, R-Glasgow, said the bill should be implemented but it may be challenging for teachers to implement for some students.
“This is not going to be as easy as it sounds. Kids are very addicted to their phones,” Riley said. “In fact, in many ways, this is going to be a bloody bath for teachers to have to deal with. It’s just another difficult thing they’re going to have to deal with because it’s bad.”
Rep. Josh Bray
The bill’s primary sponsor, Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, said enacting the legislation would give teachers and school administrators more authority to prevent cell phones from being used in class. He added that he has spoken with school administrators about the bill in his district.