Ivey pitches school cell phone ban, public safety bills in Huntsville visit
Alabama Governor Advocates for Cell Phone Ban in Schools and Public Safety Measures
In a recent address at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber luncheon, Alabama Governor Kay Ivey emphasized her top priorities as the legislative session nears its conclusion: the FOCUS Act and a package of public safety bills. The FOCUS Act seeks to prohibit students from using wireless communication devices during school hours, aiming to curb classroom distractions. Ivey highlighted a survey in which 72% of high school teachers acknowledged cell phones as a significant distraction, while also noting that teenagers spend nearly five hours daily on social media, negatively impacting their wellbeing.
The proposed legislation would require local school boards to implement internet safety policies and provide education on safe social media use. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, students’ devices must be stored away during instructional periods, with exceptions for those with disabilities or emergencies. Ivey urged lawmakers to advance this bipartisan bill for a floor vote.
In addition to educational reforms, Ivey has prioritized public safety, working closely with Senator Sam Givhan to advance laws aimed at reducing violent crime. She has signed several bills, including those targeting illegal firearm modifications and enhancing restrictions on firearm possession for specific crime-related offenses. Ivey reaffirmed her commitment to bolstering public safety efforts, stating that more legislative measures are on the horizon.
Read the complete article here: https://www.al.com/news/huntsville/2025/05/ivey-pitches-school-cell-phone-ban-public-safety-bills-in-huntsville-visit.html
