Mission UNPLUGGED Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4006
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Armed Forces and National Security
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-06-12: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2025-07-16T15:24:58Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Mission UNPLUGGED Act (H.R. 4006) aims to improve focus and learning in schools run by the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) by requiring a policy that bans students from using cell phones and other distracting personal electronic devices during regular school hours. DoDEA operates schools for children of U.S. military members and Department of Defense civilians, both in the U.S. and overseas.
Key Provisions
- Policy Establishment: The DoDEA Director must create and enforce a policy prohibiting "covered electronic devices" (such as smartphones and other personal devices deemed distracting) during school hours. The policy must be in place within 180 days of the bill's enactment and apply to future school years.
- Enforcement Flexibility: School administrators can decide how to enforce the ban at their locations, with limits set by the Director.
- Emergency Contact: The policy must include ways for parents and students to reach each other in emergencies.
- Exceptions to the Ban:
- Emergencies.
- Use on school grounds outside regular hours (e.g., waiting for transport or during extracurricular activities).
- Medical or health needs certified by a healthcare provider.
- Disabilities or special needs, as required by an individualized education program (a tailored plan for students with disabilities under federal law), accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (which prevents discrimination against people with disabilities) or the Americans with Disabilities Act (which protects rights of individuals with disabilities), or similar DoDEA programs.
- English learners (students learning English as a second language) who need devices for language support.
- Other cases approved by the Director.
- Consultation Process: The Director must consult the DoDEA Chief Academic Officer, District Superintendents, and School Advisory Committees before finalizing the policy.
- Implementation Support: The Director can provide tools like lockboxes for storing devices and other aid. The bill authorizes $1,207,500 in funding for fiscal year 2026 to cover these costs.
- Reporting Requirements: Starting one year after implementation, the Director must submit annual reports to the Senate and House Armed Services Committees for five years. Reports will cover implementation details, costs, and effects on student performance, mental health, teacher and student retention, and other outcomes.
- Definitions:
- "Covered electronic devices" include cell phones/smartphones and other distracting personal devices.
- "English learner" follows the definition from the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (federal law on K-12 education).
- "Individualized education program" follows the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (federal law ensuring education for children with disabilities).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill introduces a new mandatory policy for DoDEA schools, which previously had no uniform federal requirement to ban distracting devices during school hours. It builds on existing education laws by explicitly integrating exceptions tied to disability protections (e.g., Rehabilitation Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) but adds a specific focus on device restrictions to enhance learning environments. No prior DoDEA-wide prohibition existed, so this standardizes rules across all DoDEA schools.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: DoDEA will need to develop, implement, and monitor the policy, including purchasing storage solutions and tracking outcomes through reports. This could increase administrative workload and costs, offset by the authorized funding.
- Citizens: Students in DoDEA schools (primarily children of military families) may experience fewer distractions, potentially improving academic performance and mental health, though some could face challenges if exceptions are not applied smoothly. Parents gain structured emergency contact options but may need to adjust daily routines.
- International Relations: Minimal direct impact, as DoDEA schools serve U.S. military communities abroad; the policy applies uniformly to overseas and domestic locations without altering diplomatic or host-nation agreements.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- DoDEA Leadership and Staff: Director, superintendents, administrators, and teachers responsible for policy creation, enforcement, and reporting.
- Students and Families: Primarily children of active-duty military personnel, Department of Defense civilians, and their parents, who attend DoDEA's 160+ schools worldwide.
- School Communities: School Advisory Committees and educators involved in consultation and implementation.
- Congressional Committees: Armed Services Committees in the Senate and House, which will receive reports and oversee progress.
- Support Providers: Healthcare providers certifying medical needs and organizations aiding students with disabilities or English language learning.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The bill reinforces compliance with key federal laws protecting students with disabilities (e.g., by mandating exceptions under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Americans with Disabilities Act), reducing risks of discrimination lawsuits. It also ensures emergency access aligns with child welfare standards.
- Constitutional: No major challenges anticipated; the policy balances educational goals with First Amendment (free speech) and privacy rights by limiting bans to school hours and allowing exceptions, avoiding overly broad restrictions on personal property.
- Political: Sponsored by bipartisan representatives (Mr. Vindman and Mrs. Kiggans), it reflects priorities for military family support and education reform amid growing concerns over device distractions. Referred to Armed Services and Education Committees, it could influence broader discussions on school technology policies without mandating changes outside DoDEA.
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 (2)
Rep. Kiggans, Jennifer A. [R-VA-2], Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]
Recent Actions
- 2025-06-12: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-06-12: Referred to the Committee on Armed Services, and in addition to the Committee on Education and Workforce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2025-06-12: Introduced in House
- 2025-06-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Mission Utilize No Phones in Learning to Unleash Growth in Grades and Educate Distraction-free Act — issued 2025-06-12 — PDF (6 pages)