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House passes bill limiting routine use of digital devices in K‑5 instruction
Summary
After debate and a failed amendment to extend applicability, the House approved Senate Bill 23‑10 requiring LEAs to prioritize teacher‑led, non‑electronic instruction in grades K‑5 and restrict routine student use of personal/social media during school time.
The House passed Senate Bill 23‑10 as amended to require school districts serving grades K‑5 to adopt policies prioritizing in‑person, teacher‑led instruction and non‑electronic materials as the primary mode of learning. Representative Renaud, the sponsor, said the measure is intended to address concerns about screen time, reading retention, and the developmental needs of young students.
On the floor Representative Johnson moved an amendment to apply certain provisions to private schools receiving public tax dollars (voucher schools); that amendment (number 2) failed on recorded vote. Members debated the breadth of the bill’s definition of "digital device," with proponents saying the intent was to restrict 1‑to‑1 devices used as the primary mode of instruction and opponents urging clarity to avoid limiting tools such as digital whiteboards.
‘‘As amended, school districts serving students in grades K through 5 must adopt a policy that prioritizes in‑person teacher‑led instruction and non‑electronic materials as the primary mode of learning,’’ Representative Renaud said on the floor. The measure passed on final reading with a recorded vote (87 ayes, 6 nays reported). Sponsors and committee leaders said local LEAs will retain authority to tailor policies to local needs and make exceptions for targeted instructional support.
