The House Education Committee advanced a bill that would, under most circumstances, keep cell phones out of classrooms.
HB 2003 would limit the use of personal electronic devices like cell phones in school classrooms during instructional time because of concerns about distractions and student well-being.
The bill mandates county boards of education to develop policies for the 2025-2026 school year for devices like cellphones and tablets, requiring counties to document offenses in the West Virginia Education Information System. The bill allows for confiscation of devices for repeat offenders.
The legislation does include some potential exceptions for students with an individualized education program, as well as for diabetic students whose cell phones are connected to medical aids like continuous glucose monitors.
The bill next will be considered by the full House of Delegates. If it passes, it would go to the state Senate.
The bill was introduced on behalf of the governor.
“Teachers have told me time and time again that in order to be their best they need to maintain control of their classrooms and eliminate distractions. We need to work on this,” Gov. Patrick Morrisey said in his State of the State address.
“That’s why tonight I’m calling on the Legislature to allow schools to ban cell phones in the classroom. Other states when they’ve done this, they’ve seen great success.”
At least 8 states, including California, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, Ohio, South Carolina and Virginia have enacted laws or policies that ban or restrict students’ use of cellphones in schools.
During discussion in the House Education Committee, David Gladkosky, executive director of the West Virginia Professional Educators Association, expressed support for the policy.
“This is a good bill, and we’re glad to see it going into place,” Gladkosky said.
He said that a survey of educators showed that 66% expressed interest in a policy to prohibit cell phones during class time. But he also said 72% supported allowing access during recess or lunch.
“So hopefully there’s enough leeway in this bill for that,” Gladkosky said, “and I think there is.”