TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
“BELL TO BELL, NO CELL” ARKANSAS ACT SB142 What is SB 142? The “Bell to Bell, No Cell” Act, sponsored by Senator Tyler Dees and Representative Jon Eubanks and signed by Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders in February 2025, requires all public schools to ban personal electronic devices from the first bell to the last bell during the school day. What the Law Requires • Complete device ban during instructional hours (student may bring devices, but they must be turned off and stowed) • District policies required, with publication on school websites outlining the ban and exemptions • State-supported pilot and funding Timeline • Pilot launched in summer 2024, with statewide rollout in 2025–2026 school year. • Funding for storage solutions distributed in late 2024. Why It's Being Enacted • Governor Sanders cites teen mental health concerns and academic performance as motivations. • Pilot schools reported improvements in engagement, reduced anxiety, and easier classroom management. Critic Concerns
SCHOOL DAY CELL PHONE BAN TEXAS HB 1481 What is HB 1481? House Bill 1481, introduced by Representative Caroline Fairly (R–Amarillo), was passed by the Texas Legislature in spring 2025 and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025. What the Law Requires • Cell phones and all personal communication devices banned during school hours. Includes any device capable of digital communication. • Mandatory district policies—school boards and charter operators must adopt written rules prohibiting use of devices on campus during the school day. • Options for device storage—schools can choose to ban devices outright on campus or designate secure storage areas. (e.g., lockable pouches or cubbies) Timeline First full enforcement at the start of the 2025–2026 school year, with many districts planning enforcement by August 2025. Why It’s Being Enacted • Reduce distractions and classroom disruptions. •
Encourage face-to-face interaction, deeper focus, and active learning. Potentially decrease cyberbullying.
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Critic Concerns Communication delays during emergencies, although schools say essential calls can be routed through the office. Final Thoughts Texas HB 1481 marks a notable shift toward limiting student tech access during learning hours. By setting statewide rules but allowing local flexibility, the law aims to reduce distractions and improve classroom focus, while still accommodating special needs. As districts prepare, the impact on student engagement, safety, and communication will become clearer.
Some parents worry about not being able to contact their child promptly. Schools suggest using the office for essential communication. Final Thoughts
Arkansas’s “Bell to Bell, No Cell” Act builds on a growing national trend to reduce technology distractions and support student mental health. By enforcing a statewide ban while granting local autonomy and support, the state aims to promote focused learning environments. The success of this policy will hinge on effective communication, implementation, and community buy-in.
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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