It's less clear what reception the proposal will get across the hall. House Speaker Ron Mariano has said that he recognizes that phones are a distraction in schools and that he also understands concerns raised by some parents worried about how to keep in contact with kids during emergencies.

The state-level protections come as congressional Republicans advance a reconciliation bill that could reduce abortion care access across the country.

The Senate passed President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” July 1, giving the president his most significant legislative victory in his second term.

Another major spending bill continued its journey through the Legislature as the Senate approved a $532 million measure pumping more money into hospitals, rental aid, home care for seniors and more.

Trump and Republican supporters in Congress say the changes are necessary to root out what they call fraud, waste and abuse.

Massachusetts' highest court is imposing a legal protocol that could result in hundreds of criminal defendants being set free due to a lack of legal representation.