LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — Michigan lawmakers are moving to put smartphones on silent during the school day.

The Michigan Senate on Jan. 22 approved bipartisan legislation aimed at curbing student cell phone use during class time, moving one bill to the House and sending the other to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. 

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Notably, the bills stop short of a blanket ban, instead clarifying schools’ authority to limit phone use during instruction while preserving exceptions for safety, medical needs, and use between classes and at lunch.

Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia), chair of the Senate Education Committee and a former teacher, said that the final package reflects months of negotiation between lawmakers in both chambers.

“This is a win that will … make a positive difference in our classrooms,” Polehanki said.