Angela Stiens - Kansas State Representative

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Angela's Topeka Report Email from Angela Stiens for Kansas House Dear neighbor, We’ve passed the two-month mark in the 2026 session of the Kansas House of Representatives and are now considering bills sent to us by the stat

I’m excited to announce that I will be running for reelection to continue serving our community in the Kansas House of Representatives District #39.

It has been an honor to represent the people of our district and to work on the issues that matter most to our families — strong schools, safe communities, responsible budgeting, and protecting Kansas values. Over the past term, I’ve worked hard to listen to constituents, bring your voices to Topeka, and stand up for policies that strengthen our community and our state.

There is still important work ahead, and I remain committed to advocating for the people I represent and ensuring our district continues to have a strong voice at the Capitol.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement, and trust. I look forward to the opportunity to keep serving you.

SB 281 Over the last several years, I have heard consistently from parents, teachers, and even students about the growing impact of smartphones in the classroom. Teachers describe constant distraction and declining attention spans. Parents speak about anxiety, social pressure, and the mental health toll associated with social media. What was once considered a convenience has increasingly become a barrier to focused learning.

This past week, the House debated
SB 281 and passed it with language that addressed student cell phone use during the school day, including private schools. When the bill reached the Senate, it was ultimately killed. I believe that outcome was a missed opportunity to take a meaningful step in supporting students.

In my view, this issue is fundamentally about student well being and academic success. When phones dominate the school day, they compete directly with instruction, discipline, and peer interaction. Educators across Kansas have asked for clearer guardrails so they can teach without constantly policing devices.

Parents have asked for help in reinforcing healthy boundaries.
I supported including all schools because the underlying challenge is not confined to one type of institution. Excessive phone use affects attention, mental health, and social development regardless of where a child attends school. Addressing that reality in a consistent way would have provided clarity and support to families and educators alike.

This was not about overcomplicating policy or creating unnecessary bureaucracy. It was about reinforcing the basic purpose of a school day: learning, engagement, and personal growth. Clear expectations help students focus. They also relieve pressure on teachers who are too often placed in the middle of ongoing device disputes.

I respect that there were different opinions on how best to approach the issue. While the bill did not ultimately advance, it sounds like legislators in the Senate are continuing to work toward a solution that can gain broader agreement. I remain encouraged that this conversation is not over and will continue working alongside colleagues to find practical steps that support students and strengthen learning environments across Kansas.