LEGISLATIVE SERVICES AGENCY
OFFICE OF FISCAL AND MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS
200 W. Washington St., Suite 301
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 233-0696
iga.in.gov
FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
LS 6476 NOTE PREPARED: Dec 18, 2023
BILL NUMBER: SB 287 BILL AMENDED:
SUBJECT: Internet Safety Curricula for Schools.
FIRST AUTHOR: Sen. Tomes BILL STATUS: As Introduced
FIRST SPONSOR:
FUNDS AFFECTED:XGENERAL IMPACT: State & Local
DEDICATED
FEDERAL
Summary of Legislation: This bill provides that a school corporation may include instruction regarding
internet safety in the school corporation's curriculum. The bill requires the Department of Education to
develop, not later than July 1, 2025, age appropriate curricula in internet safety for use at multiple grade
levels, and specifies topics that must be included in the curricula.
Effective Date: July 1, 2024.
Explanation of State Expenditures: New Curricula: This bill requires the Department of Education (DOE)
to develop age-appropriate curricula on internet safety by FY 2026. The bill’s requirements are within the
agency’s routine administrative functions and should be able to be implemented with no additional
appropriations, assuming near customary agency staffing and resource levels.
Additional Information - DOE was required to develop guidelines for the development and teaching of
internet safety curricula under Public Law 119-2008, which remained in effect until it was repealed in 2015.
Although this bill’s requirements are more specific, foundational elements of curricula developed under P.L.
119 should be applicable to this bill’s requirements. Additionally, the Cybersecurity for Education Toolkit
developed by the Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity could have resources helpful in developing
curricula.
Explanation of State Revenues:
Explanation of Local Expenditures: This bill authorizes, but does not require, the addition of internet
safety instruction in elementary school and high school. School corporations that adopt this curricula may
SB 287 1 incur additional costs and/or workload related to instruction. The additional funds and resources required
could be supplied through existing staff and resources currently being used in another program or with new
appropriations. Ultimately, the source of funds and resources required to satisfy the requirements of this bill
will depend on legislative and administrative actions.
Explanation of Local Revenues:
State Agencies Affected: Department of Education.
Local Agencies Affected: School corporations.
Information Sources: Indiana Executive Council on Cybersecurity, CyberSecurity for Education Toolkit
2.0.
https://www.in.gov/cybersecurity/files/Indiana-Cybersecurity-for-Education-Toolkit-2.0-FINAL-AUGUS
T-7.pdf
Fiscal Analyst: Kelan Fong, 317-232-9592.
SB 287 2