House Bill 1135 requires that schools decide on a specific policy on student use of a “communication device,” but it does not specify what that policy should be.

The committee voted nearly unanimously, with only state Rep. Dusty Johnson, R-Fort Morgan, dissenting.

Johnson cited concerns about schools losing local control over the decision.

“I love the concept of this bill,” Johnson said. “For me, this comes down to local schools, local choice, letting parents and local communities push this decision, and not the state saying you need to have something.”

Legislators supporting the bill said it strikes a good middle ground on the issue of phones in schools.

“As a former teacher, I know that in order to truly equip our students for the future, we must ensure that they have the ability to fully engage in their schools and in the learning process,” said state Rep. Mary Bradfield, R-Colorado Springs, one of the bill’s sponsors. “As someone who’s entrusted with the responsibility to make decisions that enrich the lies of all Colorado ones, I refuse to sit on the sidelines as our youth struggle with unnecessary obstacles that impede their ability to flourish.”

The bill will require that each public school, including charter schools, have a policy implemented by July 1, 2026 “for the health, safety and welfare of students.”

Devices included in the policy are any capable of making and receiving calls, sending and receiving text messages, or accessing the internet. School-issued laptops would not be included, and the bill has a provision for devices used to assist students with a medical condition.

Under the legislation, any policy enacted must also consider exceptions, emergency response and unintended burdens that might arise because of the restrictions.

State Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs, also sponsored the bill.

“One of the biggest culprits of classroom distractions is cellphones, which is why we are bringing this bipartisan legislation to limit student distraction caused by cellphones and foster a healthier learning environment,” she explained during the committee meeting. “We want all of our students to succeed in the classroom, and this bill sets us on the right path forward.”

If the bill is passed, Colorado would join at least 18 other states that have already passed legislation requiring that cellphones be restricted or banned during the school day.

During public testimony, many teacher advocacy groups and health professionals spoke in favor of the bill, including the Colorado Association of School Executives, the Colorado Education Association and others.

Many schools throughout the state have already implemented cellphone policies, including School District 51 in Mesa County. Brian Hill, the district’s superintendent, testified on the importance of schools implementing cellphone policies.

“I’ve seen firsthand how limiting smartphone distractions in schools positively impact student learning and well being,” Hill explained. “This bill reflects a balanced approach, ensuring schools have tools to address the issues while maintaining local control to implement policies that work best for their communities. This bill is about making schools places for learning, connection and student wellbeing.”

The Colorado State Board of Education also spoke in support of the bill, but requested the House consider an amendment providing for additional research, implementation and resources.

The bill will now move for a vote on the floor of the House, before transitioning to the Senate for consideration.