A bill aimed at keeping cellphones out of classrooms passed the Michigan House of Representatives on Tuesday, marking a comeback for legislation that failed last year.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Mark Tisdel, R–Rochester Hills, passed by a wide bipartisan margin and now heads to the state Senate.
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House Bill 4141 had previously stalled in July, when it received support from Republicans but no backing from Democrats, despite Gov. Gretchen Whitmer naming classroom cellphone restrictions as a priority in her 2025 State of the State address, according to a release from Tisdel’s office.
Tisdel said the earlier defeat was tied to tense budget negotiations rather than concerns about the substance of the proposal.
This vote marks the first time during the current legislative term that a bill rejected by the House was brought back for reconsideration and approved.
Under the bill, K–12 public school students would be barred from using smartphones during instructional time.
However, students would still be allowed to use their devices between classes and during lunch, a provision intended to let them communicate with family and coordinate after-school activities.
Traditional flip phones are exempt, as are situations involving medical needs or emergencies.
The legislation also preserves local control by allowing schools to adopt stricter cellphone policies if they choose.
Tisdel said the goal is to curb distractions and address concerns about excessive phone use among children.
“Every parent knows that phones are addictive devices,” Tisdel said. “We’ve got to give kids their childhood back.”
The House approved the bill by a vote of 99–10, with one member not voting.
If the Senate moves quickly, the measure could reach Gov. Whitmer’s desk in time for her upcoming—and final—State of the State address.
Tisdel said his next legislative focus will be on proposals aimed at giving parents greater authority over their children’s use of social media.