On Thursday, Jan. 22, the Michigan Senate passed House Bill 4141, which would restrict student cell phone usage during school time, by a 34-1 vote.

The bill was previously approved by the Michigan House of Representatives on Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, by a 99-10 vote. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Mark Tisdel from Rochester Hills on Feb. 26, 2025.

Here are what local superintendents had to say regarding the passed legislation:

• Big Rapids’ Tim Haist: “BRPS already restricts the usage of cell phones during the school day. Students are not allowed to use cell phones during the school day in our elementary schools and middle school. Last year, we implemented a procedure to limit our high school students' cell phone use during the school day. As a result, students are not allowed to use their phones during instructional times. Students and staff have both expressed the positive impact that limiting cell phone use has had on instruction and student engagement in our classes. If this bill is ultimately signed into law, it will help to reinforce the procedures that BRPS has already established.”

• Reed City’s Michael Sweet: “We already have school rules to the same effect. I wish that they would use their time to ensure adequate school funding with a budget that comes in on time.”

• Tri County’s Ryan Biller: “Tri County Area Schools already have clear handbook policies that restrict student cell phone use during instructional time. With recent updates to our handbooks, we’ve reinforced expectations designed to minimize distractions and support a focused, productive learning environment. The passage of House Bill 4141 aligns closely with the work we are already doing and reinforces best practices we’ve implemented to support teaching and learning. In many ways, this legislation simply affirms our current approach and strengthens our efforts to reduce unnecessary interruptions in the classroom.”

• Morley Stanwood's Roger Cole: "Although our district has already put in rules and guidelines regarding cell phones at school, I will say the support from legislature is nice. Now, that being said, I am not convinced that it’s their job to do this. Schools can handle this just fine." 

• Pine River’s Michelle Gill: “At Pine River Area Schools, we already limit cell phone use during instructional hours.” 

House Bill 4141, along with Senate Bill 495 (regarding school emergency communication procedures), will now head to Gov. Whitmer's Desk. Reports say she will consider signing the bills before her upcoming State of the State address on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. 

To see more on the bill here: HOUSE BILL 4141 https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4141.