Focus on Learning Act
Sponsored By: Representative Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4]
Introduced
Summary
Create school environments free of mobile devices by directing a national study and a pilot grant program to test secure containers and lockers for student phones during school hours.
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- Students and families: Students would store personal mobile phones in school-controlled secure containers during school hours with exemptions for health needs, disabilities, and translation. LEAs must notify parents at least 30 days before applying and solicit parent feedback.
- Schools and local education agencies: LEAs can apply for grants to buy lockers and install secure containers. The program is authorized $5.0 million for 2025–2029 and administrative expenses may not exceed 2% of funds.
- Researchers and federal agencies: The Surgeon General would complete a nationwide study within 2 years and report to Congress on effects on learning, mental health, classroom instruction, and school climate. The Education Department will pick LEAs likely to yield useful evidence.
*Authorizes $5.0 million in appropriations for 2025–2029 to fund the study and pilot, increasing federal spending by that amount.*
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Nationwide study on phones in schools
If enacted, the Surgeon General would study student phone use nationwide. The study would look at learning, engagement, mental health, classroom instruction, and behavior. It would include data from schools in the pilot program. The study must finish within 2 years of enactment. Results would be sent to Congress and posted for the public.
Grants and rules for phone-free schools
If enacted, the Education Department would run a pilot that gives grants to school districts to create phone‑free schools. The bill authorizes $5 million total for fiscal years 2025–2029, with up to 2% (about $100,000 if fully funded) for admin and data. Districts would have to notify parents at least 30 days before applying, ask for feedback, and notify families if they win. Participating schools would store student phones in secure containers during school hours and keep an emergency communication system and a way for students to contact parents. Limited exceptions would allow device use for health needs, by students with disabilities, and by English learners for translation.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Westerman, Bruce [R-AR-4]
AR • R
Cosponsors
Stauber
MN • R
Sponsored 2/12/2025
Rep. Morrison, Kelly [D-MN-3]
MN • D
Sponsored 2/12/2025
Crow
CO • D
Sponsored 2/12/2025
Rep. Magaziner, Seth [D-RI-2]
RI • D
Sponsored 7/25/2025
Rep. Neguse, Joe [D-CO-2]
CO • D
Sponsored 7/29/2025
Rep. Deluzio, Christopher R. [D-PA-17]
PA • D
Sponsored 9/2/2025
Rep. Moulton, Seth [D-MA-6]
MA • D
Sponsored 9/8/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov