LANSING, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Feb. 3, 2026) – Although a bill to ban on smart phones in Michigan’s K-12 classrooms is awaiting Governor Whitmer’s expected signature, efforts to strengthen such restrictions on the state’s youth still continue.
Last week, word about a proposal in the state House to tack on a 32 percent tax on any wireless communications for those aged 17 or younger emerged. Not only would this apply to smart phones, but also tablets, video game systems and computers, with the money raised going towards mental health and safety services in the state.
Republican Representative Mark Tisdel of suburban Detroit is the author of this legislation, and although Holland’s Nancy DeBoer was initially a co-sponsor (she has since had her name taken off), fellow GOP lawmaker Luke Meerman of Coopersville is skeptical.
House Bill 5496 has been referred to the Committee on Finance.





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