UNPLUGGED Schools Grant Act of 2025

Bill Number

H.R. 4005

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Education

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-12: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Last Updated

2025-07-21T19:44:15Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The UNPLUGGED Schools Grant Act of 2025 aims to reduce distractions from personal electronic devices in public schools by providing federal grants to states. It encourages policies that limit students' access to devices like smartphones during school hours, promoting a focus on learning while allowing exceptions for specific needs.

Key Provisions

• Grant Program Authorization: The U.S. Department of Education (Secretary) establishes the UNPLUGGED Schools Grant Program under a new Part G of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA). Grants go to state educational agencies (SEAs) to help public elementary and secondary schools implement device restriction policies.
• Eligibility Requirements: SEAs must adopt a statewide policy, developed with input from local educational agencies (LEAs), educators, parents, and students, that bans students from possessing or using personal electronic devices (e.g., smartphones, smartwatches, tablets) during school hours. Exceptions include:
• Students with health conditions needing devices for medical treatment (certified by a healthcare provider).
• Students with disabilities where device access is part of an Individualized Education Program (IEP, a tailored plan under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) or a Section 504 plan (accommodations for disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act).
• English learners or students needing devices for instruction, with state-approved documentation.
• Other cases as decided by the SEA.
• Application Process: SEAs apply to the Secretary, certifying their policy and allowing schools/LEAs to facilitate parent-student communication (e.g., for forgotten items or pick-up changes) through school staff.
• Use of Funds: Grants fund secure storage solutions for devices, such as lockable lockers, lock boxes, magnetic pouches (which block signals), or other state-approved methods, to keep devices inaccessible during school hours.
• Funding Allocation: Grants are allotted based on states' prior-year shares of title I, part A, subpart 2 funding (aid for low-income schools), with a minimum of 0.5% for small states. Unused funds are reallocated to other eligible states.
• Definitions: Key terms include:
• Personal electronic device: Handheld or wearable gadgets with communication, internet, or multimedia features (excludes school-authorized laptops/tablets restricted to academic use only, without access to social media or personal apps).
• School hours: From the start to end of the instructional day, as defined by the SEA.
• Mobile phone: Handheld devices with cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth capabilities.
• Appropriations: Authorizes "such sums as may be necessary" for the program, without specifying amounts.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill amends the ESEA by adding a new Part G (sections 4701–4707) to title IV, which previously focused on safe and drug-free schools, school safety, and other support programs. It introduces a dedicated federal grant mechanism for device policies, without altering existing ESEA parts but integrating allocations tied to title I funding formulas. It also updates the ESEA table of contents to include the new part.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: The Department of Education gains responsibility for administering grants, reviewing applications, and reallocating funds, potentially increasing administrative workload. SEAs and LEAs must develop and enforce policies, which could strain resources in underfunded districts but provide new funding for storage.
• Citizens: Students may experience fewer distractions, potentially improving focus, grades, and mental health by limiting social media and notifications during class. Parents might need to adapt communication (e.g., calling school offices), and schools could see better classroom engagement. Exceptions ensure equity for students with medical or educational needs.
• International Relations: No direct impacts, as the bill focuses on domestic K-12 education policy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• State and Local Educational Agencies (SEAs and LEAs): Responsible for policy creation, implementation, and grant applications; benefit from funding but must coordinate with stakeholders.
• Public Schools and Educators: Directly implement device bans and storage; gain tools to create distraction-free environments.
• Students: Primary focus, with restrictions on device use but protections for those with health, disability, or language needs.
• Parents and Families: Involved in policy input; may face changes in how they contact children during school.
• U.S. Department of Education: Oversees the program and fund distribution.
• Students with Special Needs: Benefit from tailored exceptions to avoid exclusion.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal Implications: The bill explicitly avoids overriding stricter state, SEA, LEA, or school policies on devices, preserving local flexibility. It aligns with federal disability laws (e.g., IEPs under IDEA, Section 504 plans) by mandating accommodations, reducing risks of lawsuits over discrimination. No new enforcement mechanisms are created beyond grant conditions.
• Constitutional Implications: Supports educational equity under the Equal Protection Clause by including exceptions for vulnerable groups, while promoting a compelling interest in student well-being (e.g., reducing distractions akin to dress code or conduct rules upheld in courts). It does not infringe on free speech, as restrictions target possession/use during instructional time.
• Political Implications: Addresses growing concerns about smartphone distractions in schools, potentially appealing across party lines by tying to academic improvement without mandating bans (states opt-in via grants). It encourages stakeholder collaboration, fostering buy-in, but could spark debates on parental rights or overreach in device regulation.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-12: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
• 2025-06-12: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-12: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Utilize No Phones in Learning to Unleash Growth in Grades and Educate Distraction-free Schools Grant Act of 2025 — issued 2025-06-12 — PDF (8 pages)