U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. asked Michigan lawmakers to ban smartphones in classrooms during a visit earlier this summer.

According to Michigan House Republican officials, Kennedy made the request during a June 17 visit to the White House by members of the caucus and was supportive of their legislative efforts on the issue.

That legislative push to ban smartphones in all Michigan classrooms preceded Kennedy’s support but failed July 24. The Democratic House minority, seizing on a few Republican absences and dissenters, blocked its approval in a 53 to 45 vote.

Bills need at least 56 votes to pass. Only two Republicans, state Reps. Jaime Greene and Steve Carra, voted against the bill. State Rep. James DeSana, R-Carleton, was absent.

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