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Parent testimony highlights graphic content on school devices as committee places internet-safety bill behind budget
Summary
HB18-86 would revise acceptable-use policies and require LEAs and charter schools to update review processes and provider contracts; a parent testified that elementary students accessed disturbing content on school devices, and the committee placed the bill behind the budget for fiscal review.
Chairman Supiki described HB18-86 as revising internet acceptable-use policy requirements for local education agencies and public charter schools, expanding review frequency and requiring providers to block specified content and provide complaint processes. The bill’s amendment moved the effective date to the 2027–28 school year and extended the rules to pre-K through 12 materials and vendors.
Parent advocate L Benson testified that her 8-year-old and others accessed graphic and frightening content on school devices, citing examples including videos titled 'scariest video on the Internet' and reported school emails used for bullying. Benson said the Children's Internet Protection Act has not kept pace and argued districts need stronger guardrails. "These children are required to use devices they need to be safe," she said.
Committee members noted a fiscal impact and, without objection, placed HB18-86 behind the budget for additional review and an updated fiscal analysis.
