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HB376 INTRODUCED
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HB376
CXCZZJQ-1
By Representative Robbins
RFD: Education Policy
First Read: 03-Feb-26
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CXCZZJQ-1 01/29/2026 OW (L)OW 2026-371
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First Read: 03-Feb-26
SYNOPSIS:
This bill would create certain requirements for
instructional technology used by local boards of
education in public school classrooms.
This bill would require local boards of
education, upon request, to provide parents with
certain information about the student's use of and
access to instructional technology in the student's
classroom.
This bill would require the State Board of
Education to create a model policy on the use of
technology in public schools.
This bill would require the adoption and
implementation of the model policy by local boards of
education.
This bill would require the creation and
implementation of age-appropriate screen time limits
and Internet access limits for each grade level.
This bill would also require the State Board of
Education to adopt rules.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
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AN ACT
Relating to public K-12 education; to provide for
instructional technology requirements; to require local boards
of education to provide parents with certain information about
a student's use of and access to instructional technology; to
require the State Board of Education to create a model policy
on the use of certain technology in public schools; to require
the adoption and implementation of the model policy by local
boards of education; to require the creation and
implementation of age-appropriate screen time limits and
Internet access limits for each grade level; and to require
the State Board of Education to adopt rules.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. (a) For the purposes of this section, the
following terms have the following meanings:
(1) INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY. Technology that a student
uses in connection to curriculum and instructional
experiences. The term includes technology such as electronic
devices, digital tools, and digital applications.
(2) PARENT. The same meaning as defined in Section
16-6F-4, Code of Alabama 1975.
(3) PUBLIC SCHOOL. The same meaning as defined in
Section 16-46B-1, Code of Alabama 1975.
(4) SCREEN TIME. Time spent by a student using an
electronic device with a screen in a classroom setting. The
term does not include when the use of the electronic device
involves direct instruction, guidance, or interaction with a
teacher, instructor, or other designated educational
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HB376 INTRODUCED
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teacher, instructor, or other designated educational
personnel, or instruction for an online student.
(b)(1) Instructional technology used in public schools:
a. May not be unreasonably used as a substitute for
direct, teacher-led instruction;
b. Must be designed specifically for instructional use;
c. Must be absent of design features that interfere
with learning or distract from instruction;
d. Must be effective in supporting student learning
outcomes;
e. Must be safe for students' physical, cognitive, and
emotional development;
f. Must be supported by evidence or demonstrated
educational value appropriate for the grade level;
g. Must be intentionally integrated to enhance learning
outcomes; and
h. Must be compliant with applicable state standards
and laws, including privacy and data protection regulations.
(2) Local boards of education shall select, deploy, and
monitor instructional technology in accordance with the
requirements of this subsection, and shall adopt internal
monitoring policies and conduct training for faculty and
staff, as necessary, to ensure compliance with this section.
(3) The State Board of Education shall adopt a method
for evaluating and measuring the effectiveness of the
requirements for instructional technology described in
subdivision (b)(1).
(4) Upon request, local boards of education shall
provide parents of an enrolled student with any of the
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provide parents of an enrolled student with any of the
following:
a. Access to a list of all instructional technology
used in the student's classroom.
b. Access to the student's school-issued electronic
device, account credentials, and browsing history, if
applicable.
(c)(1) Before the 2027-2028 school year, the State
Board of Education shall develop a model policy on balanced
instructional technology use in the classroom to be adopted by
each local board of education. The model policy shall
accomplish all of the following:
a. Provide age-appropriate screen time limits and
Internet access limits for each grade level.
b. Require transparency with parents regarding the use
of instructional technology.
c. Prohibit instructional technology practices that
compromise student safety, privacy, or well-being.
d. Require regular review of instructional technology
to ensure compliance with established standards pursuant to
subsection (b).
e. Promote educators' modeling of appropriate and
responsible technology use.
f. Emphasize best practices for screen time in public
schools.
(2) The State Board of Education shall publish the
model policy on the website of the board.
(d) The State Board of Education shall adopt rules, as
necessary, to provide for the implementation of this section.
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necessary, to provide for the implementation of this section.
Section 2. This act shall become effective on October
1, 2026.
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