Virginia Senate Bill SB28

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/11/23
• Refer: 12/11/23
• Report Pass: 1/18/24
• Engrossed: 1/22/24
• Refer: 2/13/24
• Report Pass: 2/28/24

Caption

School boards; powers and duties, policies regarding cell phones and other handheld devices.

Impact

The enactment of SB28 will empower local school boards in Virginia to formulate specific policies concerning handheld devices. This means that schools will have the discretion to decide whether to allow, restrict, or completely ban cell phone use based on their unique student populations and educational goals. The flexibility of the law to cater to various school environments reflects an awareness of the diverse challenges and needs faced by different educational institutions across the state.

Summary

SB28 addresses the powers and duties of school boards in relation to the regulation of cell phones and other handheld communication devices within schools. The bill allows each school board to develop and implement its own policies regarding the possession or use of such devices during regular school hours. This legislation seeks to provide schools with the authority to create rules that align with their educational environment and student needs, which may vary from district to district.

Contention

There might be points of contention surrounding SB28, particularly concerning the balance between necessary regulation for discipline and the potential for overreach that may infringe on students' rights. Critics could argue that overly strict policies could lead to negative consequences, such as students being unable to communicate with their parents during the school day in emergencies, while supporters would likely emphasize the importance of minimizing distractions from education and maintaining a conducive learning environment.