Nathaniel Cline

The draft defines “cell phone-free” education as “bell-to-bell,” meaning phones should be turned off and stored away from the first school bell until dismissal. This includes lunchtime and breaks between class periods.

Lawmakers redirected approximately $650 million each year and added around $180 million yearly to develop the at-risk program.

A final vote on the accountability system is expected at next month’s board meeting.

Some of Virginia’s school boards have already begun banning or restricting cell phone use in schools.

Future presidential campaign rallies are uncertain in Virginia