Substitute SB 5,346 would require OSPI reports on mobile-device policies and expand web resources on digital citizenship; parents, students, principals and researchers testified that phones harm learning and mental health and urged earlier action or stronger statewide rules with IEP/504 accommodations.

Senate Bill 53‑46 would add mobile devices to the state definition of digital citizenship, require OSPI research and two reports (initial and final), and provide best‑practice guidance; witnesses ranged from students and principals who favor bell‑to‑bell bans to parents and students expressing safety and emergency‑contact concerns.

At its May 7 meeting the board approved resolutions to notify affected certificated and classified employees of reductions in force, adopted a mobile-device policy required by AB 3216 to limit phone use during instructional time (effective 2026–27), and approved routine contracts and capital project items; public commenters urged reconsideration of custodial cuts.