The conference committee on Senate Bill 2354 approved a replacement amendment that removes nonpublic schools from the bill’s statewide cellphone policy and directs that the text will replace corresponding language in House Bill 1160.

The measure passed the committee by recorded voice/roll call without recorded opposition. Committee members debated two central points before the votes: whether the statewide requirement should cover private (nonpublic) schools, and whether electronic devices must be “locked away” or may be merely “securely stowed and inaccessible” during instructional time. Members also noted that an appropriation that would have paid for storage pouches or lockboxes was removed before the committee considered the replacement language.

Chair Axman, who opened the discussion, said the committee was able to include language referencing the earlier House enactment so the final text in SB 2354 will strike and replace the language of House Bill 1160 in the same code section. Representative Novak, a member of the committee, told colleagues she “like[s] the idea of including private schools in it. I think it's good policy for all kids,” but acknowledged the counterargument that private schools are not funded with public tax dollars and so may be treated differently.

Senator Lim moved the amendment to remove the clause covering nonpublic schools and to synchronize SB 2354 with House Bill 1160. That amendment was seconded and then approved on a roll call in which Chair Axman, Senator Wabamah, Senator Lim, Representative Jonas, Representative Novak and Representative Oswaskey voted yes. The committee then voted to advance Senate Bill 2354 with the replacement amendment; the same members recorded “yes.”

The bill’s device language appears on the draft at page 3, lines 28–29 and requires electronic devices to be “silenced or turned off, securely stowed away, and inaccessible to students during instructional time.” Chair Axman clarified the drafting difference discussed in committee: “The difference would be just the word ‘stowed’ versus ‘locked away,’” and emphasized that the adopted language requires devices to be inaccessible during bell-to-bell instructional periods.

Representative Novak asked whether “stowed” could include phones kept in backpacks; Chair Axman and other committee members said that lockers would clearly meet the “inaccessible” standard but that backpacks—particularly zipped backpacks kept at a student’s desk or under a chair—may not, because students can potentially access them between classes. Representative Jonas, a former teacher, said enforcement will be difficult in large high schools and noted that many students leave backpacks under desks rather than using lockers.

Committee members also discussed funding: the appropriation that would have helped districts buy lockboxes or pouches was removed earlier in the legislative process. As a result, members said, districts will need to rely on existing resources and local policies to implement the statewide requirement. Several members signaled they expect to revisit the language if implementation shows the policy is not producing the intended results or if future state funding (or policy changes such as education savings accounts or vouchers) alters the policy landscape.

After the final vote the conference committee completed its work and adjourned. Susan (staff) recorded the roll calls and confirmed the committee’s actions on the record.