(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana lawmakers are moving closer to sweeping new limits on student cellphone use and minors' social media accounts after a House committee approved two major education bills this week, as first reported by the Indiana Capital Chronicle.
The House Education Committee unanimously advanced Senate Bill 78, which would require students' phones and other wireless devices to be powered off and stored away for the entire school day -- not just during class time -- while still allowing students to bring them to school. Supporters say the change would reduce distractions and eliminate inconsistent enforcement that currently varies from teacher to teacher. The measure also allows schools to use safety grant funds for storage pouches, permits internet-free note-taking devices, and directs state officials to issue guidance on how phones should be secured.
In a separate party-line vote, the committee approved Senate Bill 199, a broader proposal that would require social media companies to give parents access to their children's accounts upon request and meet new standards for data use and account controls. Those provisions would take effect in 2027. The bill also calls for a review of college programs whose graduates earn relatively low wages, a move supporters say promotes accountability but critics warn could narrow educational options.
Both measures now move to the full House for further debate and possible amendments before any final votes.