Encouraging the board of each school district in this state to develop and implement a policy that limits the use of cellular telephones and other electronic communication devices during instructional time.
Summary
HCR6005 is a concurrent resolution encouraging every South Dakota school district board to adopt a policy limiting the use of cellular telephones and other electronic communication devices during instructional time. The resolution cites national studies suggesting that phone and device use can distract students, disrupt the learning environment, lower test scores, and reduce long-term retention of information. It also states that reducing distractions during class is in the best interest of students, teachers, administrators, and other school employees.
The resolution further encourages school districts to provide training and support to faculty and staff so they understand the policy, its importance, and the expectation that they comply with it. Because it is a resolution rather than a statute, it does not itself create a statewide ban or mandate; instead, it expresses the Legislature’s view and urges local school boards to act. The practical effect is to promote local adoption of classroom cellphone restrictions and related staff guidance across South Dakota schools.
Impact
HCR6005 does not directly amend the South Dakota Codified Laws or impose a statewide requirement on school districts. Its legal effect is advisory and persuasive: it encourages local school boards to regulate student use of cellphones and other electronic communication devices during instructional time and to train staff on enforcement and compliance. Any actual restrictions would be implemented through district-level policy rather than state statute.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have broad support. It passed the House 55-12 and the Senate 31-3, indicating strong bipartisan agreement that limiting cellphone use in class is beneficial. The resolution’s findings and the voting margins suggest a generally favorable sentiment toward reducing distractions in schools and supporting teachers in maintaining classroom focus.
Contention
The main point of contention is not whether schools should address cellphone use, but how far the state should go in influencing local policy. Because the measure is only an encouragement rather than a mandate, it likely reflects some sensitivity to local control concerns and the desire to avoid a statewide one-size-fits-all rule. The recorded opposition in both chambers suggests a minority of lawmakers may have been concerned about overreach, implementation flexibility, or the need for district-by-district discretion.