by: Joel Porter, KFYR

BISMARCK, ND (KXNET) — This week, North Dakota lawmakers passed one bill they hope will mean fewer distractions in school classrooms.

House lawmakers passed Senate Bill 2354, one of two bills aimed at requiring students to put away their cell phones in class. The bill would require public and private school districts to come up with a policy that requires students to silence, turn off, or put away cell phones during class time.

Retired West Fargo teacher and representative Jim Jonas supports the idea, arguing teachers all over the state are having to spend class time trying to get kids to put away their phones.