SB 568

Public elementary and secondary schools; use of school-issued devices for instructional purposes; limitation on instructional screen time permitted; policies and procedures. Permits each school board to adopt and implement a policy limiting instructional screen time, as defined in the bill, per school day. The bill requires any such policy adopted by a school board to (i) apply to students in each grade level, kindergarten through grade 12, provided that the policy may establish limitations on instructional screen time that vary by grade level, grade level group, or school level; (ii) not apply to any student that requires use of a school-issued device as an accommodation or assistive technology support pursuant to such student's individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan or be applied in a manner that conflicts with any requirement of an IEP or Section 504 Plan; and (iii) permit teachers to continue using digital and online instruction, including through the use of school-issued devices by students, provided that teachers and schools ensure that students receive substantial instruction through non-screen-based methods. Finally, the bill requires any school board that adopts a policy limiting instructional screen time to post such policy in a prominent and publicly accessible location on its website and to submit to the Department of Education by August 1 of each year a report describing the policy and the implementation of such policy.