AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, relative to communication devices at schools.
Summary
SB0010 requires every local board of education and public charter school governing body in Tennessee to adopt and implement a wireless communication device policy for students. The policy must generally prohibit student use of wireless devices during instructional time, while allowing exceptions when a teacher authorizes use for educational purposes, when a student needs the device for an emergency or to manage health needs, and when device use is required by a student’s IEP or active 504 plan. The bill defines wireless communication devices broadly to include cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices, but excludes devices whose communication features are restricted by software.
The bill also requires each LEA and public charter school to publish its policy on its website. In addition, it amends existing discipline law to allow teachers to withhold a student’s wireless communication device for the duration of instructional time if the student does not comply with the school’s policy. The act takes effect July 1, 2025, and applies beginning with the 2025-2026 school year.
Impact
SB0010 would add a new statewide requirement in Title 49 for school districts and public charter schools to maintain a wireless device policy, and it would modify the student discipline statute in Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-6-4002 to expressly permit temporary teacher confiscation of noncompliant devices during instructional time. The bill affects local education agencies, public charter schools, teachers, and students, while preserving accommodations for emergencies, health-related use, and disability-related educational supports under IDEA and Section 504.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the measure appears to be framed as a straightforward school management and classroom-distraction policy rather than a controversial partisan proposal. Its structure suggests general support for limiting device use during class while retaining exceptions for educational, health, and disability-related needs. No recorded opposition or amendments are available in the provided context.
Contention
The main policy tension in SB0010 is between reducing classroom distractions and preserving flexibility for instructional, medical, and accessibility-related uses of devices. Potential points of concern include how strictly schools will enforce the ban, how teachers will determine when educational use is appropriate, and whether the definition of wireless communication device is broad enough to cover school-issued laptops and tablets. Another possible issue is the balance between local control and a statewide mandate, since the bill requires all LEAs and charter schools to adopt policies with specified minimum terms.
An Act to amend and reenact § 15.2-2316.3 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-2316.4:4, relating to zoning; wireless facilities; temporary support structure.