KINGSLEY– A bill aimed at limiting cellphone use during the school day has passed the Michigan House of Representatives with bipartisan support.
House Bill 4141, introduced by State Rep. Mark Tisdel, passed Wednesday by a 99–10 vote after failing during an earlier vote in July. This marks the first time this legislative term that a defeated bill has been brought back for reconsideration.
The legislation would prohibit K-12 public school students from using smartphones during instructional time, while still allowing use during lunch and between classes. Supporters say the goal is to reduce distractions in the classroom while maintaining flexibility for students outside of instruction.
The bill includes exemptions for flip phones, medical needs, and emergencies, and it does not prevent districts from adopting stricter policies of their own.
Some Northern Michigan districts already enforce similar rules. Kingsley Area Schools Superintendent Josh Rothwell says the bill would help align expectations across all Northern Michigan districts.
“I like the idea of having consistency, not only within Kingsley, but the region and the state,” Rothwell said. “So if you go from building to building, district to district, you’re going to see some consistent policies in place with cell phone use.”
House Bill 4141 now heads to the Michigan Senate for consideration. If approved, it could reach Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk ahead of her final State of the State address.