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119-hr-4006119th CongressWALLET

Mission UNPLUGGED Act

Sponsored By: Representative Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

Introduced

Summary

Prohibits student use of personal electronic devices during regular school hours in DODEA schools. The bill would require the DODEA Director to set a uniform ban with limited, spelled-out exceptions and let local administrators choose how to enforce it.

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  • Students and families: Families would keep emergency contact options because the policy must include procedures for parents and children to reach each other during the school day. Students could still use devices in emergencies and while off regular hours like before‑and‑after school activities.
  • Students with medical needs, disabilities, or who are English learners: Device use would be allowed when certified by a healthcare provider, documented in an Individualized Education Program or 504 accommodation, or needed to support English learning.
  • Schools and oversight: The Director would consult academic officers and school advisory committees, issue the policy within 180 days, and can provide implementation support such as lockboxes. DODEA would report annually to Armed Services committees for five years on costs and effects.

*Would authorize $1.2 million in FY2026 for implementation, increasing federal spending.*

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Funding to enforce Defense school phone rules

If enacted, the Director could give schools tools to carry out the phone policy. Support could include lockboxes or other storage for devices during the school day. The bill authorizes $1,207,500 for fiscal year 2026 for this support. The Director could also provide other help as needed.

Phone use limits in Defense schools

If enacted, Defense Department schools would block student phone and device use during regular school hours. The Director would set the policy within 180 days. It would start with school years that begin after the policy is set. Covered devices would include cell phones and other personal devices the Director lists. Students could still use devices in emergencies, before or after school, or if needed for medical, disability, or English-learning needs, and in other Director-approved cases. Schools would choose enforcement methods within limits, and must let parents and students reach each other in emergencies.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Vindman, Eugene Simon [D-VA-7]

VA • D

Cosponsors

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

    VA • R

    Sponsored 6/12/2025

  • Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]

    PA • D

    Sponsored 7/2/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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