The state Senate is poised to move forward on legislation to restrict cellphones in K-12 schools, although the specifics of the policy — whether an outright ban, or something less stringent — are still being worked out.

At a hearing held by the Senate Education Committee Tuesday, the majority of those who testified supported some type of statewide rule restricting student phone use, although details on the restrictions are expected to be left up to school districts.

Committee chair Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, R-Columbia County, said following the hearing that she expects to run a bill on the issue this fall. Pennsylvania is a relative outlier; most states in the nation have some type of overarching requirements on students’ phone use, saying it helps reduce distractions in the classroom.

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