TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A bill that would test out completely banning cell phones from Florida schools has now passed through its first committee in Tallahassee.

The bill, Senate Bill 1296, would expand on a 2023 law, CS/HB 379, which requires public schools to ban phones during class time.

There was language in the 2023 bill that allowed for cell phone use in schools if there was a specified educational purpose, and established an assigned space in the classroom for cell phones to be when they weren't being used.

The new bill passed unanimously in the Florida Senate Education Committee Monday. The bill will now be considered by the Children, Families, and Elder Affairs Committee.

The bill calls for a pilot program to be created in two large, two medium and two small school districts around the state.

Phones would be banned during the entire school day in those districts.

That includes on school grounds and during school activities that are off school property.

Pasco County Schools is in its first year of a cell phone ban, and Superintendent John Legg said teachers have reported students are more focused since it was instituted.

“The middle school grades are where we’re seeing the most dramatic improvements," Legg said. "Because middle schoolers have the least control of their own behaviors and they’re the ones that seem to be the most addicted to their phones constantly. So we’re seeing the greatest benefit, the quickest in the middle school grades."

Legg said he’d be willing to partner with state leaders on the new proposal.