Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has made it clear she wants a bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools for grades K-through-12 starting next school year. However, the state legislature may be voting on a different plan.
Hochul's budget includes $13.5 million to help schools implement the ban for yonder pouches or cell phone lockers.
"I think there's broad support for it," said Albany insider Jack O'Donnell of O'Donnell and Associates with WBEN on Tuesday.
He thinks there will be an agreement on cell phone guidelines whenever the budget gets done, but added it may have some modifications.
"The governor proposed it as a requirement for schools, starting Aug. 1, but also with a broad measure of local control. The Assembly took it out of their budget because they don't include policy in their budget, even though the money is there. The State Senate's proposal would allow students to use their phones during non-instructional time, such as recess or lunch," O'Donnell added.
The big debate right now is coming up with a policy that actually works.
But how likely is it that there is no legislation, and school districts come up with their own policies?
"The governor wants a large measure of individual control. But she also wants guidelines in place. I think there will be some kind of compromise that gives districts discretion," O'Donnell said.
The final state budget is due on April 1.