School Cell Phone Bill Goes to DeSantis

By The News Service of Florida

The Legislature on Friday formally sent bills to Gov. Ron DeSantis that would prevent elementary and middle school students from using cell phones during the entire school day and create a new third-degree felony offense of animal cruelty for people who restrain dogs outside during natural disasters.

The cell-phone change, which was included in a broader education bill (HB 1105), would expand on a current law that prevents students from using cell phones during instructional time. It would prohibit cell-phone use throughout the school day in elementary and middle schools. It also would create a pilot program in six counties that would prevent cell phone use in high schools throughout the school day.

The animal cruelty proposal (SB 150) was crafted after a dog was found last year tied to a fence along Interstate 75 during Hurricane Milton. The bill was named “Trooper’s Law,” after a Florida Highway Patrol trooper discovered the dog surrounded by water. The dog was adopted after being taken to the Tallahassee Humane Society.