Oklahoma House passes student cellphone ban bill

Oklahoma's House of Representatives has passed House Bill 1276, prohibiting student cell phone use during school hours, with a vote of 82-9. Authored by Rep. Chad Caldwell, the bill, dubbed 'Bell to Bell, No Cell,' aims to mitigate distractions and improve students' mental health and academic performance. While it mandates a 'bell-to-bell' ban, local school districts retain the option to opt out and must vote annually on their cell phone policies. The bill includes exceptions for emergencies and medical needs, but lacks funding provisions for its implementation. This legislation reflects a growing concern among educators regarding the impact of cell phone use on learning environments. The bill now moves to the Senate for further deliberation.