The Alabama Senate gave final approval Wednesday to a ban cell phones during school hours in public schools.
House Bill 166, sponsored by Rep. Leigh Hulsey, R-Helena, would require local school boards to adopt a policy for students to store cell phones during class hours. The bill passed on a 30-2 vote and goes to Gov. Kay Ivey.
Much of the discussion on the Senate floor centered around an amendment proposed by Sen. Chris Elliot, R-Josephine, that would have allowed students to use their phones to contact their parents or legal guardians.
Elliott said that while he “support(s) what he’s trying to do,” constituents told him they were concerned about not being able to reach their children during school hours. The chamber voted the amendment down on a 9-23 vote.
“You’re going to hear from parents back home if this passes,” Elliot said to the body.