Gov. JB Pritzker on Wednesday proposed a statewide ban on cell phones in school classrooms, as part of an effort to improve students' performance and mental health by removing electronic devices that many have said have become major distractions.

Legislation to allow school districts to ban cell phone use during instructional time is gaining bipartisan support.

The proposed school cell phone ban would make exceptions for emergencies, medical purposes, special education plans, or ESL learners.