Senate adopts statewide floor for student device policies, defeats amendment to extend mandate to private schools

The Iowa Senate on the floor adopted House File 782, a measure establishing a statewide minimum policy that restricts student use of personal electronic devices during classroom instructional time and requires the Department of Education, with the Department of Health and Human Services, to provide professional development on social media effects.

Senator Evans, sponsor of the floor substitution, described the bill as implementing the governor’s proposal on classroom device use and said the Department of Education’s model cell-phone policy would be distributed to districts “no later than May first of 2025” to give schools time before the policy requirement takes effect in July 2025. She also noted charter schools must adopt policies, but the amendment considered would remove some charter requirements.

The chamber debated an amendment (Senate Amendment 30-46) offered by Senator Trone Garrett to make the policy apply to both public and private schools. Garrett argued, “If this electronic and social media policy is good for kids, it is good for kids whether they are in public schools or private schools,” and noted state tax dollars flow to some nonpublic schools. Senator Evans opposed extending the mandate, arguing public schools receive different state funding and categorical restrictions.

The amendment to apply the policy to nonpublic schools was defeated by roll call, 16 in favor and 33 opposed. Other amendments adopted included Amendment 30-41, which adds professional development on social media effects for grades 6–8, and Amendment 30-42, which requires distribution of the Department of Education model policy by May 1, 2025 and makes that section effective on enactment.

Supporters cited concerns about classroom distraction and student mental health. Senator Kornbach said the bill creates a floor — “The word is restrict. The word is not prohibit” — cautioning districts could adopt stronger rules locally. Senator Warmie read comments from a high school student who described cell phones as detrimental to education and socialization, and urged a ban during school hours in many cases.

Opponents of the nonpublic-school amendment emphasized distinctions in funding and local control for nonpublic and charter schools. After debate, the Senate ordered the bill read for the final time and declared it passed by a constitutional majority (recorded 49 ayes, 0 nays on final passage).

The Senate also granted unanimous consent to withdraw Senate File 370 after passage of House File 782. The bill now proceeds to be messaged to the next stage of the legislative process.