State Representative Bill G. Schuette today voted for legislation that will reduce classroom distractions and help students focus on their education.

House Bill 4141 gives school districts the ability to promote improved learning environments. Through the measure, K-12 students would be prohibited from using smartphones during instruction time, but they may still use their devices during non-instruction time between classes and during lunch. The change would take place beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

“Schools should be places of learning, first and foremost,” Schuette said. “We passed important legislation helping improve the learning environment in our schools ensuring there is more time for reading, writing and math – but less time for distracting cell phones.”

The bill outlines exemptions for medically necessary devices, district-issued devices, devices used for academic purposes or classroom assignments at the teacher’s discretion, and devices supporting special education programs, IEPs, or 504 Plans. Emergency use is also permitted as long as it does not interfere with safety protocols or endanger anyone on campus.

Schuette noted that Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also made the cell phone in school reforms a priority in her 2025 State of the State address. HB 4141 now moves to the Senate for consideration.