By: Parker H.B. No. 3489
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to development of guidelines for the use of digital
devices in public schools.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Subchapter A, Chapter 38, Education Code, is
modified by adding Section 38.0231 to read as follows:
Sec. 38.0231. GUIDELINES FOR USE OF DIGITAL DEVICES. (a)
The agency, in consultation with the Health and Human Services
Commission, shall develop and distribute for use by school
districts and open-enrollment charter schools health and safety
guidelines for best practices for the effective integration of
digital devices in public schools. The guidelines must:
(1) be based on evidence-based studies and practices;
(2) consider the potential costs of implementation of
the guidelines and affordable ways to reduce the hazards associated
with the extended use of digital devices; and
(3) address:
(A) digital device use for varying age ranges and
developmental levels;
(B) the amount of time a student spends using
digital devices in the classroom;
(C) appropriate frequency for breaks from the use
of digital devices;
(D) physical positioning of digital devices in
the classroom;
(E) requiring the use of digital devices to
complete homework assignments;
(F) recommended total daily screen time usage for
students; and
(G) recommended teacher training regarding
digital device use in the classroom to ensure implementation of the
best practices.
(b) The school board of each school district or the
governing body of each open-enrollment charter school may decide
whether to adopt the guidelines developed under Subsection (a) for
use in the district or school.
(c) Each school district or open-enrollment charter school
that adopts the guidelines developed under Subsection (a) may
implement the guidelines in a manner that best meets the district's
or charter school's individual needs.
(d) If a school district or open-enrollment charter school
adopts the guidelines developed under Subsection (a), the district
or charter school shall:
(1) post the guidelines publicly on the district's or
charter school's Internet website; and
(2) provide a copy of the guidelines with registration
materials and require the signature of the student's parent or
legal guardian acknowledging receipt of the guidelines.
SECTION 2. The Texas Education Agency shall develop and
distribute the guidelines for the use of digital devices required
under Section 38.0231, Education Code, as added by this Act, for use
beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.
SECTION 3. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.