Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2451

Introduced
2/16/26  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to student instructional technology standards, including elementary school digital instruction limits, technology use policies, and governance of one-to-one digital device programs.(See HF 2685.)

Impact

The bill mandates that school districts, charter schools, and innovation school zones comply with these instructional technology standards. Additionally, it requires each district to adopt a written technology use policy encompassing digital instruction limits, a list of digital platforms in use, and parental rights regarding reductions in their child's digital instruction. This ensures that parents are informed about and can participate in decisions concerning their children's use of technology in educational settings. The bill also emphasizes transparency and governance for one-to-one digital device programs, requiring schools to complete a technology adoption checklist before implementation.

Summary

House File 2451 is legislation aimed at regulating student instructional technology standards in Iowa, specifically addressing the use of digital instruction in elementary schools. The bill imposes a cap on digital instruction for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, limiting it to a maximum of 60 minutes per school day. This limitation intends to balance the modernization of education with traditional teaching methods, ensuring that younger students do not spend excessive amounts of time using technology for learning purposes. Specific types of instructional technology use, such as those required by individual education plans or assistive technologies, are exempt from this daily limit.

Contention

Proponents of HF2451 argue that these regulations are essential for safeguarding young students’ educational experiences and preventing an over-reliance on digital learning tools. They believe it sets a necessary precedent in an increasingly digital educational landscape. However, potential points of contention may arise regarding the enforcement of these limits and the implications for teaching methodologies that integrate technology as a core component. Critics may argue that overly strict limits could hinder innovative teaching practices that utilize digital tools effectively to enhance learning outcomes.

Companion Bills

IA HF2685

Similar To A bill for an act relating to student instructional technology standards, including elementary school digital instruction limits, technology use policies, and governance of one-to-one digital device programs.(Formerly HF 2451.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2685

A bill for an act relating to student instructional technology standards, including elementary school digital instruction limits, technology use policies, and governance of one-to-one digital device programs.(Formerly HF 2451.)

IA HB2978

Limits the use of technology for student learning practices in elementary schools

IA SB966

Relating to the use of technology by public school students, including a study on the public health effects of digital learning and public school policies regarding student possession of personal communication devices; increasing a fee.

IA SF504

Grant authorization to improve students' digital technology skills and support digital learning

IA HSB106

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(See HF 782.)

IA HB584

Public education; screen-based instruction limited in kindergarten through fifth grade, State Board of Education required to adopt standards, Instructional Technology Task Force established

IA SB1703

Establishes the "Student Screen-Time Standards Act" and the "Framework on Classroom Use of Screens (FOCUS) Council" regarding instructional methods in elementary schools

IA SB318

AN ACT relating to digital instruction.

IA SSB1065

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(See SF 370.)

IA SF370

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours, school safety plans, and instruction related to the effects of social media in grades six through eight, and including effective date provisions.(Formerly SSB 1065.)

Similar Bills

IA HF2685

A bill for an act relating to student instructional technology standards, including elementary school digital instruction limits, technology use policies, and governance of one-to-one digital device programs.(Formerly HF 2451.)

CA AB2726

School facilities: disposal of surplus technology property.

CA AB1053

Educational technology: evaluation and selection.

MO SB1703

Establishes the "Student Screen-Time Standards Act" and the "Framework on Classroom Use of Screens (FOCUS) Council" regarding instructional methods in elementary schools

MO HB2230

Establishes provisions relating to instructional methods in schools

NJ A1281

Requires school districts to include instruction on risks associated with social media and cell phone addiction in grades 6 through 12.

NJ S1044

Requires school districts to include instruction on risks associated with social media and cell phone addiction in grades 6 through 12.

CA AB2071

Pupil instruction: digital wellness.