Answer
SEA 78 states that administration must prohibit students in public and charter (but not private?) schools from using technology not approved by the school from the beginning to the end of the school day. (This is known as "bell to bell cell phone" law) This was signed by Governor Braun on March 5, 2026 taking effect on July 1, 2026. My opinion of this law is really doesn't matter, because it IS now law. However, my personal opinions are clear. I think this is a prime example of political government overreach. Every school already had a "cell phone policy" in place. The policies vary from corporation to corporation, but the point of the policy is to keep students engaged during class time and off their devices. Students (at least at the high school level in many corporations) could still have their phones out and in use during passing periods and at lunch. There are penalties in place for students who violate this policy. There are also tardy policies in place so if a student can't manage their devise usage and make it to class on time, there are consequences.
Name me one law that if you are caught violating you don't have consequences that involve...THE LAW. I can't think of any. Here, we have a law in place where the school gets to police it and create consequences. To me, this law doesn't do anything but make the state legislature appear to be strong armed regarding the use of cell phones and other forms of technology that don't involve active learning in school. Nothing changes -- the school creates the consequences but now has a law backing them up.
I have always trusted our schools to enforce this policy. Personally, I don't have a problem if a student (more so a high school student) uses their phones at lunch. I also think some parents have more peace of mind knowing that their child has their cell phone on them..."just in case". The law states that phones must be powered off (not silenced) and "securely stored" between the opening and closing bells. Regardless of what I think personally, this is now what is in place and I support the school corporation following the law.