Bell to Bell with Doug Welton & Lincoln Fillmore

Описание: In this in-depth conversation, we sit down with Senator Lincoln Fillmore and Representative Doug Welton to discuss their updated legislation establishing a bell-to-bell default cell phone policy in Utah schools.

Last year, lawmakers passed a policy removing cell phones from classrooms by default. This year, they are proposing to strengthen that approach by making phones off-limits from the opening bell to the closing bell — while still allowing local school boards and charter boards to modify the policy if they choose.

We cover the reasoning behind the shift, what students are saying, how emergencies would be handled, and what success would look like five years from now.

If education, parental rights, local control, and student focus matter to you — this conversation is worth your time.

⏱ Chapters

0:00 – Why move from “in-class” restriction to "bell-to-bell"?
3:22 – What are students saying about the change?
3:55 – The main purpose behind the policy
8:14 – What does “default policy” actually mean?
9:20 – Emergency situations & exceptions
11:28 – Why a state-level policy instead of leaving it entirely to school boards?
13:38 – Who enforces the policy?
16:06 – When would this take effect if passed?
16:30 – What do they hope this achieves in five years?
20:59 – Final message from Senator Fillmore & Representative Welton

📌 Key Points Discussed

The difference between classroom-only bans and bell-to-bell policies

How districts and charter schools retain flexibility

The balance between statewide standards and local control

Concerns about safety and emergency communication

Long-term academic and cultural goals for Utah schools

Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Would you support a bell-to-bell default policy in Utah schools?

Make sure to subscribe for more policy updates, legislative interviews, and conversations that impact our communities.

To see the bill text and the current status click here:
https://le.utah.gov/Session/2026/bill...