The Pennsylvania senate voted 46 to 1 in favor of banning phones in public schools. The vote comes after Gov. Josh Shapiro said he fully supported the policy in his budget address on Tuesday.
The senate legislation is sponsored by Democrats and Republicans. Schools and some students worry that a state law would put autonomy and local control at risk.
But many teachers, parents, and other students say there needs to be a break from devices.
The legislation now goes to the house- where there is also broad support with some concerns.
Around 20 other states have passed similar legislation. Policy experts continue to link exposure to being online with mental health risks for children and teens.