Massachusetts House Bill H720

Massachusetts 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/27/25
• Refer: 2/27/25

Caption

Prohibiting cell phone usage during the school day

Impact

If enacted, H720 would amend Chapter 71 of Massachusetts General Laws, specifically adding a new section that stipulates clear guidelines for electronic device usage within schools. This change would likely lead to a shift in current school policies concerning technology, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an environment conducive to learning. The bill anticipates compliance by requiring annual reviews of the adopted policies by school superintendents, thus ensuring accountability and consistent enforcement across districts.

Summary

House Bill 720, introduced by Representative Jeffrey Rosario Turco, aims to prohibit the usage of cell phones and other personal electronic devices by students during the school day in Massachusetts. The proposed legislation mandates that each school district’s superintendent implement and maintain a strict policy against such device usage, allowing exceptions only when authorized by a teacher or in cases of emergency. This initiative reflects growing concerns about students' distractions in educational environments and seeks to enhance focus and learning outcomes.

Contention

The legislation may face contention regarding its implications on student rights and the practical aspects of enforcing such a ban. Critics might raise concerns about the balance between regulation and personal freedoms, questioning how strictly schools can monitor and control student behavior during school hours. Moreover, potential issues regarding the accessibility of electronic devices for educational purposes or the need for mobile communication for emergency situations may become focal points of debate during discussions surrounding the bill.