Governor Patrick Morrisey followed through on a promise made during his first State of the State address by signing a new law on Tuesday that bans cell phones in K-12 classrooms and requires schools to display the national motto, “In God We Trust.”
At a signing ceremony held at Lincoln Middle School in Shinnston, Morrisey approved House Bill 2003, which prohibits student access to personal electronic devices during instructional time. The law requires county boards of education to create clear policies for how devices are stored during the school day and to define disciplinary measures for violations.
Morrisey said the bill was necessary to curb classroom distractions and reduce issues like bullying and cheating.
“We know that the use of personal electronic devices in the classroom increases distractions, academic misconduct and bullying,” Morrisey said. “It creates a negative learning environment.”
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Focus on Student Development
Morrisey also emphasized the connection between device use and student mental health. He noted research showing that constant phone use can harm social development, limit relationship-building, and foster addictive behaviors.
“The mental health of students with unfettered access to cell phones at all hours is a problem,” Morrisey said.
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The law makes exceptions for students with documented medical needs, Individualized Education Plans (IEPs), 504 plans, and work-based learning programs. It also instructs schools to develop alternative methods for parents to contact students without disrupting classrooms.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 27 states and Puerto Rico have introduced similar legislation since 2023, with nine states already implementing bans. Eleven states have also addressed the issue through their education departments.
“In God We Trust” Bill Also Signed
Morrisey also signed Senate Bill 280, which mandates that public schools, colleges, and universities display a framed or poster version of the national motto, “In God We Trust,” in a publicly accessible common area of the main building, alongside the U.S. flag.
However, schools must use private funding to obtain and install the signs.
“Our students will learn that here in West Virginia, we do value God, family and country,” Morrisey said.
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The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Mike Azinger, R-Wood, said it took three years for the legislation to make it through the Capitol, but persistence paid off.
“You learn at the Capitol that perseverance is the quality you have to have,” Azinger said.
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“In God We Trust” has been the official U.S. motto since 1956, affirmed by Congress and used on currency, stamps, and official documents. Though occasionally challenged as a First Amendment issue, courts have consistently ruled the motto’s use is constitutional.
“It’s supposed to be freedom of religion, not freedom from religion,” said Senate Majority Whip Jay Taylor, R-Taylor. “This bill supports that freedom.”
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