INDIANAPOLIS — One of the big debates brewing in the Indiana Statehouse has to do with students and cellphones at school.
Specifically, should phones be accessible in Indiana classrooms?
It's a heated discussion, not just among lawmakers, but also parents, teachers and other education leaders.
Senate Bill 185 would restrict a student from accessing their phone while participating in an approved course.
The discussion over banning phones in classrooms isn't new. There is currently a patchwork of related policies from school district to school district. This bill would set statewide guidelines.
Disability advocates say a ban would do more harm than good because not all students are texting their friends or scrolling social media when they're on their phone.
Supporters say a statewide limit on phone access at school could be a crucial step to addressing some of the shortfalls in ILEARN results.
Another issue raised during the debate is the role cellphones play in emergencies, such as threats and school shootings.
The bill's author did not call for a vote this week but plans to reconvene with some proposed amendments next week.
Also at the Statehouse this week, child labor laws could be changing.
Right now, 14- and 15-year-olds cannot work during school hours. Some lawmakers think that should change, as long as the parents are OK with it.
They also want to allow younger teens to be able work later than 7 p.m. on school days. Supporters of Senate Bill 146 say kids who play sports are already out much later than that hour.
Not everybody likes the idea, though. The AFL-CIO testified against the bill, saying focus should remain on school.
A committee approved it 8-3, with all Democrats voting against the bill. The bill now moves on to the full House.