An Act to amend 119.04 (1); to create 120.12 (29) of the statutes; Relating to: requiring school boards to adopt policies to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time.
Summary
AB2 requires Wisconsin school boards to adopt a policy by July 1, 2026, prohibiting pupils from using wireless communication devices during instructional time, with the exception of school district-issued devices. The bill defines wireless communication devices broadly to include cell phones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices, and it allows limited exceptions for emergencies or perceived threats, health care needs, accommodations required by an IEP or Section 504 plan, and teacher-authorized educational use.
The bill also requires school boards to include the policy’s required elements, may impose consequences such as confiscation for the rest of the school day, and may adopt policies that are more restrictive than the state minimum. School boards must submit the policy to the Department of Public Instruction by October 1, 2026, and then report annually whether the policy changed and submit updates if needed. The bill also makes related statutory changes to align school district governance provisions and reporting requirements, including a submission requirement to the office of school safety in the Department of Justice and legislative council.
Impact
AB2 adds a new statewide mandate in ch. 120 requiring school boards to regulate student use of wireless communication devices during class time, while preserving local discretion to adopt stricter rules. It amends related statutes governing school district powers and first-class city school districts, and it repeals and renumbers existing provisions so the new policy requirement is integrated into Wisconsin’s school law framework. The practical effect is to standardize cell phone and device restrictions across districts, while creating ongoing reporting obligations to state education authorities.
Sentiment
The voting history suggests the bill had substantial but not unanimous support. It passed the Assembly 53-45 and the Senate 29-4, indicating broad bipartisan acceptance in the Senate and a narrower margin in the Assembly. No committee transcript was provided, but the final votes suggest the overall sentiment was favorable toward limiting classroom device use, likely reflecting concern about distractions and classroom management.
Contention
The main point of contention is the balance between reducing distractions in the classroom and preserving flexibility for local school boards, teachers, and families. Supporters appear to favor a statewide baseline prohibition during instructional time, while opponents likely object to a one-size-fits-all mandate or to the breadth of devices covered, including laptops and tablets. The bill addresses some concerns by allowing exceptions for emergencies, health care, disability-related accommodations, and teacher-approved educational use, and by permitting districts to adopt more restrictive policies if they choose.
Crossfiled
An Act to amend 119.04 (1); to create 120.12 (29) of the statutes; Relating to: requiring school boards to adopt policies to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices during instructional time.
Requiring school districts to prohibit the use of personal electronic communication devices during instructional time and prohibiting any employee of a school district from using social media to directly communicate with any student for official school purposes.
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.