(LANSING) -The Michigan Legislature gave final approval to two bipartisan bills to help students concentrate on learning while in the classroom.
Senate Bill 495 and House Bill 4141 would require public schools to adopt policies to address the use of smartphones during instructional time. It does however, include provisions recognizing the need for parents and children to communicate during emergencies.
The bills also provide exemptions for medically necessary devices, phones covered in students' individualized education plans and devices used for instructional purposes.
State Senator Jonathan Lindsey, who supports both bills, says studies have clearly demonstrated the impact that cellphones have had on Michigan students. Lindsey says he voted "Yes" on this long-overdue legislation to help get students back on track and take another step to help Michigan improve the State's educational rankings.
Both bills now await Governor Gretchen Whitmer's signature.