School cellphone ban proceeds in Oregon Legislature
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
/2025/04/16/1744834042404.gif?w=3840)
Illustration: Brendan Lynch/Axios
The Oregon House advanced a controversial bill this week that would mandate bell-to-bell restrictions on smartphones for students in public schools across the state.
Why it matters: Supporters of the proposal — which passed the chamber on a bipartisan 36-21 vote Tuesday — say the ban aims to improve educational outcomes in a state struggling with proficiency, as well as address youth mental health issues.
- Others argue the onus of enforcement will be left to already overburdened school staff.
Context: The bill, HB 2251, would mandate each public school district implement policies that would prohibit student use of cellphones during school hours. Consequences for violation will be set on a district-to-district basis.
- Yes, but: The proposal does not include a budgetary component, meaning the state will not set aside funds for schools to purchase lock-away, phone storage bags for students, such as the popular Yondr pouches.
Flashback: The Portland Public Schools Board of Education approved its district-wide "off and away" cellphone policy for students back in January. It's set to go into effect this fall.
What they're saying: "If we don't do it now, we'll be among the last states to enact something on cellphones," state Sen. Lisa Reynolds (D-Portland), one of the bill's chief sponsors as well as a pediatrician, told Axios.
The other side: Speaking from the House floor before Tuesday's vote, Rep. Annessa Hartman (D-Gladstone) said the ability for parents to be able to communicate with their children "throughout the day if needed" is the reason she voted no.
- The Oregon Education Association, which represents many thousands of public school teachers, did not respond to Axios' requests for comment.
- However, in written testimony, the Oregon School Employees Association — a union for school clerks, bus drivers, custodians and nutrition staff — said the bill "lacks clarity" on enforcement, which will ultimately "fall on the backs of educators."
Catch up quick: Despite a dramatic increase in funding in recent years, Oregon public schools have continually failed to meet key benchmarks for students, such as improving graduation rates, attendance and test scores, which rank among the lowest in the nation.
- Gov. Tina Kotek is backing a set of bills this legislative session to hold schools more accountable for academic performance. Underperforming schools could be subject to funding cuts and mandatory improvement plans.
- Banning cellphones ties into that plan, Reynolds said. "If they want to meet their benchmarks, getting rid of cellphones will only help."
What we're watching: The bill is now in the Senate awaiting a floor vote.