Bill · H.R. 4005· House(119-HR-4005)
UNPLUGGED Schools Grant Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 6/12/2025
- Last activity
- 6/12/2025 — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- Sponsored by
- Eugene Vindman
- Cosponsors
- - 0 - 1
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill proposes to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to create the UNPLUGGED Schools Grant Program. The program aims to award grants to State educational agencies to help public schools implement policies that prohibit students from possessing or using personal electronic devices during school hours. To receive these funds, states must have a policy in place developed alongside local agencies, educators, parents, and students. The grants are intended to fund the acquisition of secure storage methods for these devices. The bill also outlines specific exceptions for health, disabilities, and certain instructional needs.
Yes· 3 of 6
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?+5
The bill includes explicit accommodations for students with disabilities and special needs.
Does this put more money into public schools?+5
The bill establishes a grant program to provide funds to state educational agencies for school policies and secure storage.
Does this expand the rights of people with disabilities?+5
The bill provides specific exceptions and accommodations for students with disabilities and special needs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Funding for Secure Storage: State educational agencies can use grant funds to acquire secure storage methods, such as lockable lockers or magnetic pouches, to keep devices safe (Section 4704).
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Health and Disability Protections: The bill allows exceptions for students who need a mobile phone or personal electronic device for health conditions certified by a healthcare provider (Section 4702(a)(1)).
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Special Needs Support: Students with disabilities or special needs can retain access to devices if it is documented in an individualized education program or a Section 504 plan (Section 4702(a)(2)).
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Communication Provisions: The bill ensures that school policies can still allow parents to notify students about forgotten items or changes in pick-up times through school personnel (Section 4703(2)(A)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restriction of Personal Device Use: The policy requires a prohibition on student possession or use of personal electronic devices during school hours (Section 4702(a)).
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Requirements for State Agencies: To be eligible, a State educational agency must implement a specific policy that applies to each public school served by its local educational agencies (Section 4702(a)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For People With Disabilities+5Good For Children+3Good For Students+2
- Education And Technology
- Increases Public School Funding+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Disability Rights+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+2
- 6/12/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Jennifer KiggansRepublican · Virginia