Arkansas Lawmakers Approve Free Breakfast and Cell Phone Ban in Schools

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed two significant pieces of legislation on February 20, 2025, aimed at enhancing the educational environment for students across the state. The bills, which received bipartisan support, establish a free breakfast program for all public school students and implement a comprehensive ban on cell phone usage during school hours.

The free breakfast initiative, which allows every student to receive one meal daily regardless of their eligibility for federal meal programs, aims to combat food insecurity in the state. Sanders touted the law as critical to supporting Arkansas families living their best lives. During the signing ceremony, the governor emphasized the importance of consistent access to nutritious meals for students’ academic success.

“We will have a productive session, helping families here in Arkansas,” Sanders said. “Providing free breakfast ensures that no child starts the day hungry.” The funding for the program will derive from federal resources, state funds, and taxes collected through the medical marijuana sales in Arkansas.

The school cell phone ban, dubbed the “Bell to Bell, No Cell Act,” mandates that students will not have access to personal electronic devices during school hours. Exceptions are allowed only for emergencies or medical needs, while school-issued tablets are exempt from the restrictions. The legislation is designed to enhance focus among students and reduce distractions during class.

“Teachers report that students are more engaged, less anxious, and can focus on learning,” said Sanders, praising the pilot program established last year. The new law is expected to take effect in the upcoming 2025-2026 school year, following its passage with overwhelming support in both the House and Senate.

The act was one of several legislative initiatives that Sanders highlighted at a press conference, where she also mentioned her goal of eliminating the state’s grocery tax and revamping higher education through her proposed Arkansas ACCESS policy. This new educational policy aims to simplify college admissions and transfer processes across the state’s institutions. House Speaker Brian Evans expressed optimism about the proposal, anticipating strong support from his colleagues.

In addition to these bills, Sanders signed the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act, designed to enhance maternal health by making Medicaid eligibility accessible from the point of care, promoting better prenatal services for expectant mothers.

Despite the advancements in these policies, some legislators raised concerns about provisions within the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act that could tighten the statute of limitations for medical injury claims linked to childbirth.

Senator Clarke Tucker, a co-sponsor of the free breakfast law, stated that this legislation would have a monumental impact on families in Arkansas, addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity, which affects nearly 19% of the state’s population according to the USDA. He emphasized the collaborative effort behind the law.

The Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance also echoed the importance of these initiatives, underlining that providing essential resources like breakfasts is fundamental to students’ success in school. This sentiment reflects a growing recognition among lawmakers about the role of nutrition in education.

As Arkansas moves forward with these new laws, officials remain focused on addressing social and economic challenges faced by families across the state, striving for policies that promote well-being and educational success.