SB 897 Tennessee Senate · 114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

Students - As enacted, requires local boards of education and public charter school governing bodies to adopt a policy to prohibit students from using wireless communication devices during instructional time, except in certain circumstances; makes related changes. - Amends TCA Title 49.

SB 897 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to create policies banning student use of wireless devices (like phones, tablets, or laptops) during instructional time, except for educational purposes approved by teachers, emergencies, health management, or as specified in a student's IEP or 504 plan. Schools must publish these policies online and establish procedures to contact parents during emergencies, ensuring device restrictions don't block emergency notifications. The law applies to all local school boards and public charter schools starting with the 2025-2026 school year. It directly affects students, teachers, and school administrators by changing device use rules during class.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 10, 2025 Last action Apr 4, 2025
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
10
Key actions
2
Committee
3
Feb 26, 2025
Upper · Passed
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Calendar Committee; Ayes 9, Nays 0 PNV 0
upper
Feb 19, 2025
Lower · Passed
Placed on Senate Education Committee calendar for 2/26/2025
lower
Feb 12, 2025
Committee
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Education Committee
upper
Feb 10, 2025
Introduced
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Ferrell Haile
Ferrell Haile
RRepublican
TN
18