AL HB584

State Board of Education must adopt standards for screen-based instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade, limiting total daily screen time to two hours and requiring vision breaks after 20 minutes of use.

Screen-based instruction may only serve as a supplementary tool and cannot replace explicit phonics instruction, handwriting, reading physical texts, manipulative-based math instruction, or teacher-led discussion.

Elementary Instructional Technology Task Force created within the State Department of Education, composed of 13 members including teachers, parents, child development experts, and education officials, with initial recommendations due by October 1, 2027.

Exceptions provided for assistive technology required under IEPs or Section 504 Plans, state/federal assessments, teacher instructional displays, emergency remote instruction, and computer science courses.

Annual progress report on screen-based instruction use and effects required to be submitted to the Governor and Legislature by October 1 each year; effective date October 1, 2026.