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Committee backs measure to prioritize in‑person, non‑electronic instruction for K–5
Summary
An amended bill encouraging age‑appropriate, teacher‑led instruction in K–5 advanced from committee; it would limit school-issued digital devices to situations with a clear educational benefit and require parent transparency about device use.
The committee advanced House Bill 23,93 as amended, which asks districts serving K–5 students to prioritize in‑person, teacher‑led instruction and to limit school-issued digital devices to situations demonstrating clear educational benefit. The sponsor said the bill is intended to “prioritize skills that are foundational” and to protect early childhood learning from excessive screen time: “Under this amendment, the school districts...are asked to develop a policy to prioritize in person teacher led instruction and non electronic instructional materials as the primary mode of learning.”
Members applauded the effort while noting the challenge of balancing digital literacy with foundational skills. Several members offered to work on tightening language over the summer to ensure exceptions (special education, targeted interventions, assessments, remote learning days) are preserved; the amendment was adopted and the bill was advanced out of committee (vote reported: 17 ayes, 0 nays, 1 present not voting).
