South Dakota House Defeats School Cellphone Ban After Lengthy Debate

The South Dakota House on Thursday rejected a student cellphone ban after debate on local control and youth mental health.

Rep. Erik Muckey, a Democrat from Sioux Falls, said he was pulled in two directions on the issue.

The bill’s House sponsor, Rep. Taylor Rehfeldt, a Republican from Sioux Falls, closed by framing it as a parent’s hard line during school hours.

The House vote was 28 ayes to 39 nays, with three excused, and Senate Bill 198 was declared lost.