CONCORD, N.H.- House Republicans have approved a bill that would ban the use of cell phones by students with limited exceptions.

On a vote of 9-8 the House Education Policy and Administration Committee on Tuesday advanced the bill proposed by Rep. Melissa Litchfield, R-Brentwood.

Speaking during Tuesday’s proceedings, Litchfield talked about the added stress teachers face when it comes to worrying about students using phones on site.

“Teachers do not want to be the police.” And went on to say; “they are asking for us to put this into law.”

Democrats said they don’t believe the state should be setting the bar, but still agreed that a ban is a good policy. Democratic lawmakers also unsuccessfully attempted to advocate for a broader exemption to allow phones to be used for instructional opportunities.

Following Tuesday’s approval, the bill now heads to the full House where a final vote could happen before the month’s end.