LANSING, Mich. (Jan. 14, 2026) — Today, after months of bipartisan, bicameral negotiation led by Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), lawmakers came to an agreement on legislation to restrict student cell phone use during instructional time in Michigan schools. Together, Senate Bill (SB) 495 and House Bill (HB) 4141 will require all public school districts to implement cell phone policies aimed at reducing student usage and distractions in the classroom, with exceptions for emergencies. In response to today’s House passage of HB 4141, Sen. Polehanki has issued the following statement:
“As a former educator, Chair of the Senate Education Committee, and lead sponsor of Senate Bill 495, I’m proud that I was able to successfully work across the aisle and across chambers to strike a compromise that addresses the growing issue of cell phone use in our classrooms while also meeting the needs of our schools and allowing exceptions for emergency situations.
“Today’s common-sense agreement was also made possible by the hard work of my House Democratic colleagues, who stood firm until a bipartisan agreement could be reached that best serves our schools. This solution gives districts the flexibility they need to implement a policy that will keep phones out of the hands of students during the most critical time of the school day — when they’re learning in the classroom. Let’s get these bills to the governor’s desk and continue working together to find common ground on solutions that improve the well-being of Michigan kids.”