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VA SB568
VA SB568Public elementary and secondary schools; use of school-issued devices for instructional purposes.
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
02/20/2026
02/20/2026
Crossed Over
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
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.
AI Summary
This bill allows public elementary and secondary schools to adopt policies limiting the amount of "instructional screen time" per school day, which is defined as the time a student actively uses a school-issued device for learning purposes, excluding brief administrative tasks, teacher-led projection tools, and state/federally required assessments. These policies must apply to all students from kindergarten through 12th grade, though they can vary by grade level, and must not interfere with students who require school-issued devices as accommodations or assistive technology support through their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan. While permitting continued digital and online instruction, schools must ensure students also receive significant instruction through non-screen-based methods. Any school board adopting such a policy must post it on their website and annually report to the Department of Education on the policy's details and implementation, including any exemptions for students with IEPs or Section 504 Plans.
Committee Categories
Education, Health and Social Services
Sponsors (19)
Glen Sturtevant (R)*,
Bill DeSteph (R),
J.D. Diggs (R),
Tara Durant (R),
Timmy French (R),
Travis Hackworth (R),
Chris Head (R),
Emily Jordan (R),
Ryan McDougle (R),
Christie New Craig (R),
Mark Obenshain (R),
Mark Peake (R),
Stella Pekarsky (D),
Todd Pillion (R),
Bryce Reeves (R),
William Stanley (R),
Richard Stuart (R),
David Suetterlein (R),
Schuyler VanValkenburg (D),
Last Action
Referred to Committee on Education (on 02/20/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB568 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB568/text/SB568S1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB568/text/SB568SC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB568) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1103969.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB568/text/SB568 |
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