A cell phone ban in public schools and the remaining package of public safety bills are Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey’s top priorities with three days left in the Legislative session.

Ivey urged legislators to pass the FOCUS Act and the remaining public safety bills during her speech at the Huntsville-Madison County Chamber luncheon at the Von Braun Center on Monday.

The FOCUS Act would prohibit students from using a “wireless communication device” during the instructional day. It also would require schools to adopt an internet safety policy and educate students on safe social media use.

“According to a recent survey, 72% of high school teachers in the country reported that cell phones are distracting students,” the governor said. “Look, us adults, we are guilty of it, too. I see a few cell phones out there. But we’re talking about our students and their learning environment.”

Ivey cited learning from parents that teens spend an average of almost five hours a day on social media.

“It’s having a negative impact on their wellbeing,” the governor said. “Don’t get me wrong, our phones and social media are fantastic tools. So, we have to know the time, the place and how to use them. Schools are already taking action, and we are supporting that statewide through the FOCUS Act.”

She said the act would get cell phones out of the classroom during the instructional period. Ivey said the legislation would also require local school boards to adopt internet safety policies that provide students with social media training. The FOCUS Act should be a widely supported bipartisan measure.”

Ivey urged lawmakers to get the bill to a floor vote “and get this to my desk so I can sign it.”

The bills would ban students from using cell phones, tablets, laptops, gaming devices or any other portable communication device on campus during the school day. Starting in the 2026-27 school year, devices must be turned off and stored in a locker, backpack, car or similar storage location.

Exceptions may be given to students with disabilities or certain health needs if permitted by an individualized education plan, health plan or 504 plan. Students may also use their devices for educational purposes, if given permission, or in case of a life-threatening emergency.

See story: Alabama lawmakers move toward banning student cell phones in schools, classrooms – al.com

Public safety legislation

Ivey credited Huntsville State Senator Sam Givhan with helping steer public safety legislation through the Legislature as vice chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“Bolstering public safety is my number one priority this session,” Ivey said. “We are advancing a package of bills this session aimed at reducing violent crime in our cities while providing law enforcement with the tools and support they need to more safely perform their duties.”

Ivey said she already signed a bill to get illegal Glock switches off the streets and another bill, “The Officer Impersonation Act,” which she said would “stop bad actors in their tracks.”

Ivey said she signed Senate Bill 119 on Monday, a bill that expands who cannot possess a firearm after being charged with a crime.

She said the bill “will help get more bad guys off our streets to ensure safety in our communities.”

“We have a few more working their way through the process,” Ivey said. “I’m confident they will be headed my way pretty soon.”