LANSING, MI (WTVB) – Michigan legislation requiring K-12 schools to implement cell phone policies is headed to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s desk after passing the Michigan Senate. . The bipartisan package, consisting of House Bill 4141 and Senate Bill 495, requires public and charter schools to prohibit smartphone use during instructional time starting in the 2026-2027 school year.
While the state sets a minimum standard for the ban, individual districts retain the flexibility to decide how to enforce the rules and whether to allow devices during lunch or between classes.
State Senator Jonathon Lindsey (R-Coldwater) was among the lawmakers supporting the measure, having previously advocated for eliminating the distractions to improve student focus and academic performance.
The final legislation includes critical exemptions for emergency situations , medical needs, and students with individualized education plans (IEPs). Governor Whitmer, who called for such restrictions in her previous State of the State , is widely expected to sign the bills into law.
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