HB166, Alabama’s proposed cell phone ban in public schools, known as the Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety (FOCUS) Act, passed the House of Representatives on Thursday and is now moving to the Senate floor for final passage.
The bill, sponsored by State Rep. Leigh Hulsey (R-Helena), aims to prohibit the use of wireless communication devices in K-12 classrooms across the state.
According to the text of the bill, students would be required to turn off their cell phones and store them in a locker, car, or similar location during the instructional day.
The bill also mandates that each local board of education develop and adopt a specific policy regarding wireless devices by July 1, 2025. This policy must include consequences for violations and be communicated to students, parents, faculty, staff, and the State Board of Education.
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If passed, it would take effect at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
Governor Kay Ivey has publicly supported the bill, suggesting that it could help enhance the learning environment by reducing distractions. During her State of the State Address in February, she highlighted the importance of minimizing unnecessary screen time in schools.
On Thursday, she heralded its passage in the Alabama House.
The FOCUS Act, which removes the distraction of cell phones during the classroom instructional period, has passed the House and now goes to the Senate! Thank you, Rep. Leigh Hulsey. Let’s get final passage and create the best learning environment for our students. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/YzGRCNWki2
— Governor Kay Ivey (@GovernorKayIvey) April 3, 2025
The FOCUS Act includes exceptions to the ban, allowing cell phone use in situations involving health needs, such as monitoring blood sugar levels for students with diabetes. The bill also permits usage in accordance with an Individualized Education Program (IEP), Individualized Accommodation Plan, Section 504 plan, or Individualized Health Plan, as well as during emergencies that threaten life or safety.
The bill passed the House with a 79-15 vote and will now be debated in the Senate. Supporters argue that the measure will protect students’ well-being and foster a more focused academic environment. At the same time, opponents question the need for such statewide regulation when local control is already in place.
The FOCUS Act also addresses digital safety by requiring local boards to implement internet safety policies for district-owned devices. These policies must limit student access to age-appropriate content, protect students’ safety in electronic communications, and restrict access to potentially harmful websites and social media platforms, unless used for educational purposes under teacher direction.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the State Department of Education develop an online course on the risks and safe use of social media. This course must be completed before entering the eighth grade.
Thursday was day eighteen of the 2025 legislative session. Twelve days remain.
Sherri Blevins is a writer for Mountain Valley News and a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
