This bill requires local education agencies and public charter schools in Tennessee to create policies that prevent students from using cell phones and other wireless communication devices during class time, except in specific situations. The bill aims to ensure that students remain focused on their studies during instructional periods.
TN HB0013 is a house bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Scott Cepicky (R), currently “Introduced” since November 19, 2024.
We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 82 of them sponsored by Scott Cepicky.
Supporters of the bill argue that it will help minimize distractions in the classroom, allowing students to concentrate better on their lessons. They believe this policy will lead to an improved learning environment and better academic outcomes for students.
Critics of the bill might say that it unnecessarily restricts students' access to technology, which can be an important educational tool. They may also argue that it could limit students' ability to communicate in emergencies or other important situations.
The bill HB0013 focuses on regulating the use of wireless communication devices in educational settings, specifically during instructional time. The sponsor, Scott Cepicky, has a professional background as a real estate agent, with no documented interests in telecommunications, data privacy, or internet-related industries. His employment with Crye-Leike Realtors, a real estate company, does not intersect with the educational or telecommunication sectors that the bill addresses. Therefore, there is no evidence of personal financial gain from the proposed legislation. The absence of any direct or indirect financial interests in the areas affected by the bill suggests a low risk of conflict of interest.
Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.
| Type | Description | Industry | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Occupation | Real Estate Agent | Real Estate | AI-researched |
| Employer | Crye-Leike Realtors | — | AI-researched |
| Spouse Employer | FIRST BANK | — | TN Ethics Commission |
Items marked "AI-researched" are generated from public sources but have not been independently verified. Verified data is sourced from official legislature websites and disclosure filings.
About This Analysis
This summary was generated using AI from the bill's official text and metadata. Data sourced from LegiScan and the Tennessee General Assembly. Conflict analysis examines the sponsor's personal financial interests for potential overlaps with the bill's subject matter.
What does TN HB0013 do?
This bill requires local education agencies and public charter schools in Tennessee to create policies that prevent students from using cell phones and other wireless communication devices during class time, except in specific situations. The bill aims to ensure that students remain focused on their studies during instructional periods.
What is the status of TN HB0013?
TN HB0013 is currently “Introduced” in the Tennessee legislature.
Who sponsored TN HB0013?
Scott Cepicky (R) sponsored TN HB0013.
TN HB0013