Florida Legislature Approves Cell Phone and Animal Cruelty Bills

News Summary

The Florida Legislature has passed two significant bills regarding cell phone usage in schools and animal cruelty laws. House Bill 1105 bans cell phone use in elementary and middle schools, while Senate Bill 150 establishes penalties for animal restraint during natural disasters. Both bills are awaiting approval from Governor Ron DeSantis and are expected to reshape educational dynamics and animal welfare in Florida.

Florida – The Florida Legislature approved two significant bills on May 27, 2025, aimed at addressing cell phone usage in schools and enhancing animal cruelty laws. The bills have now been sent to Governor Ron DeSantis for his approval and are poised to affect how students engage with technology in academic settings and how animals are treated during emergencies.

New Restrictions on Cell Phones in Schools

The first bill, House Bill 1105, proposes a ban on cell phone usage for elementary and middle school students throughout the entire school day. This new regulation expands upon an earlier law that only prohibited phone use during instructional time. If enacted, the law will take effect on July 1, 2025, aiming to create a more focused learning environment.

As part of this initiative, the bill also includes a pilot program set to be implemented in six counties that will explore the efficacy of banning cell phone usage throughout the school day at the high school level. Although high school students will be allowed to use their phones outside of class hours or under the direction of a teacher for educational purposes, the overall restriction is framed as a means to eliminate distractions.

Exemptions will be granted for students who have medical needs requiring them to have a wireless communication device at their disposal. Additionally, school districts participating in the pilot program will be required to submit reports by the end of 2026 detailing any violations associated with phone use for illegal activities or misconduct.

Animal Cruelty Law Enacted

The second bill, Senate Bill 150, addresses animal cruelty by establishing a third-degree felony offense for cases involving the restraint of dogs outside during natural disasters. This legislation, known as “Trooper’s Law”, was inspired by a heartbreaking incident where a dog was discovered tied to a fence during Hurricane Milton, leading to discussions about animal welfare during emergencies.

Following the incident, the dog involved found a new home through the Tallahassee Humane Society. The law aims to protect animals from being left vulnerable during natural disasters, reinforcing that owners must ensure the safety and well-being of their pets regardless of the circumstances.

Background on Educational Policies

House Bill 1105 also incorporates provisions that simplify the process of converting traditional public schools into charter schools. This change allows decisions to be made solely by a majority of parents, bypassing input from teachers or school administrators, thereby shifting the balance of power in school governance.

According to a Pew Research Center analysis, there is significant public interest in this area. The study revealed that 72% of high school teachers consider cell phone usage a major distraction, whereas a positive view of phone use is held by 70% of students aged 13-17. Proponents of the cell phone ban argue that reducing distractions will ultimately enhance student focus and improve the overall learning environment.

However, critics of the legislation express concerns regarding potential risks, especially in emergency situations, such as school shootings, where access to a phone may be necessary for students to communicate with authorities or emergency services.

As these bills are currently positioned for final approval, their implementation could have significant effects on school dynamics and animal welfare in Florida. Observers will be closely monitoring the governor’s decision and how these new regulations may reshape educational strategies and promote animal safety across the state.

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Additional Resources

• Tallahassee.com: Florida Bans Student Cell Phone Use in Schools
• My News 13: Florida Passes Cell Phone Ban
• Local 10: Florida School Cell Phone Ban Expansion
• WEAR TV: Florida Lawmakers Approve Cell Phone Ban
• Politico: Florida Floats Stricter Cell Phone Ban for Students
• Wikipedia: Cell Phone Usage in Schools
• Google Search: Florida Cell Phone Ban in Schools
• Google Scholar: Florida Cell Phone Legislation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida Education Policy
• Google News: Florida Cell Phone Ban