Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF2685

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.(Formerly HF 2451.)

Impact

The bill imposes necessary compliance on school districts, charter schools, and innovation school zones regarding the adoption of educational technologies. Each school district is required to develop a written technology use policy that delineates daily digital limits, lists of technology applications, and notifies parents of their rights to request further reductions in their children's digital instruction time. This development signifies a movement towards more structured use of technology in the classroom and underscores the importance of parental involvement in digital education.

Summary

House File 2685 establishes standards for student instructional technology, particularly focusing on limiting digital instruction for elementary school students, specifically those in kindergarten through fifth grade. The key provision of the bill is that digital instruction is limited to a maximum of 60 minutes per school day. However, there are exceptions for certain types of technology use, including that required by individualized education programs or assistance for students with disabilities, teacher-directed instructions, and progress monitoring associated with state assessments.

Contention

One notable area of contention surrounding HF2685 is the balance between technology integration and potential overexposure to digital instruction among young learners. Supporters advocate for the regulation of screen time to promote better educational outcomes and mitigate concerns over excessive use of digital devices in early education. Conversely, critics argue that overly strict limits may hinder educational opportunities, particularly during a time when technology plays a critical role in learning. Moreover, the bill outlines a technology adoption checklist that must be completed prior to implementing one-to-one digital device programs, which could raise questions about oversight and implementation challenges.

Companion Bills

IA HF2451

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.(See HF 2685.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF2451

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.)

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 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.)

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 HF782

A bill for an act relating to electronic devices in schools, including student access during instructional hours and school safety plans, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly HSB 106.) Effective date: 04/30/2025.

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 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.

Similar Bills

IA HF2451

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.)

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.

CA AB2071

Pupil instruction: digital wellness.

NJ S1044

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