Rep. David Nelson updates bill requiring districts to adopt policies on digital harassment and nonconsensual impersonation

Rep. David Nelson returned to the House Education Committee to discuss House Bill 240, which would require school districts to adopt policies addressing digital harassment and nonconsensual digital impersonation.

Nelson said the bill adds definitions and clarifies that new forms of digital misconduct—potentially including certain emoji‑based conduct—should be within district policy frameworks for bullying and cyberbullying. He noted the bill is intended to help districts remain proactive as artificial intelligence and other tools expand the potential for misuse.

Nelson read an email from the Anchorage School District into the record noting the district is largely in compliance with existing policies but that explicitly referencing nonconsensual digital impersonation in statute is ‘‘reasonable and timely’’ and could help ensure consistent application. Committee members asked whether the Alaska Association of School Boards (AASB) might produce model policy language; Nelson said initial conversations with AASB are underway and the committee will post their response when available.

The committee held HB 240 over for further consideration pending stakeholder responses and additional drafting.