IN SB0159

School corporations and charter schools must include in their technology plans a description of how they will ensure appropriate use of technological devices and enable parents to control students' devices when not in school or during virtual/remote learning

By January 1, 2027, schools must adopt policies allowing parents to increase filter strength, block access to websites or content, and limit device usage time on school-owned devices when students are not in school

Schools with existing vendor contracts as of June 30, 2026 that cannot implement the new parental control requirements are exempt until contract expiration or renewal, with this exemption expiring July 1, 2030

Wireless communication device policies must prohibit students from using school-supplied devices for non-educational purposes during instructional time, with exceptions for teacher-approved educational use, emergencies, health care needs, and IEP/Section 504 accommodations

Effective date is July 1, 2026; the bill passed the Senate Education and Career Development Committee 12-1 and was amended on second reading January 22, 2026