This bill establishes the Alabama Balanced Instruction and Screen Use Act to limit screen-based instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms. It defines screen-based instruction as delivering educational content primarily through digital devices like laptops or tablets instead of direct teacher-led instruction. The bill requires the State Board of Education to adopt standards for screen use, including regular vision breaks and compliance with privacy laws. An Elementary Instructional Technology Task Force will be established to review research on screen use and make recommendations annually until 2030. Exceptions are made for online high school courses, summer school, and brief technology use for formative assessments during teacher-led instruction.
This Alabama bill prohibits the operation of oversized or overweight vehicles using automated driving systems, requiring such vehicles to be driven by human operators instead. It also clarifies that the state and local governments have no legal obligation to upgrade roads or infrastructure to accommodate these automated vehicles. Additionally, the legislation prevents municipalities from imposing specific taxes or requirements on automated driving systems beyond what already applies to regular vehicles. These changes would take effect on October 1, 2026, and directly affect transportation companies and regulators managing large vehicle operations.
HB 376 requires Alabama public K-12 schools to implement age-appropriate screen time limits and internet access restrictions for each grade level. It mandates the State Board of Education to create a model policy for technology use in classrooms, which local school boards must adopt and implement by the 2027-2028 school year. The bill also requires schools to provide parents with access to a list of instructional technology used in their child's classroom and, upon request, details about device usage and browsing history. All instructional technology must support learning, avoid distractions, comply with privacy laws, and be evidence-based. The State Board must adopt implementing rules to enforce these requirements.
SB 222 prohibits the use of automated driving systems (ADS) to operate oversized vehicles that require a permit under existing Alabama law (due to exceeding weight, width, length, or height limits). The bill also clarifies that state and local governments are not required to upgrade transportation infrastructure to accommodate ADS-equipped vehicles. Additionally, it prevents local or state entities from imposing new taxes or specific operational requirements on ADS vehicles. The law will take effect on October 1, 2026.
HB 291 makes it illegal to distribute AI-generated media that falsely depicts a person engaging in speech or conduct they did not actually do, if a reasonable viewer would believe the depiction is true. It allows victims or the Attorney General to seek court orders preventing further distribution, with penalties including a Class A misdemeanor for a first offense (rising to a Class D felony for repeat violations within five years). The bill includes exceptions for media with clear disclaimers about AI manipulation, satire, parody, or legitimate news coverage that discloses authenticity concerns. It specifically exempts platforms like social media companies and news outlets from liability under this law, aligning with federal protections for online services.
SB 199 restricts certain adult sex offenders convicted of child-related offenses from using post office boxes or electronic devices with internet access (like phones or tablets), as determined by their parole or probation officer. It requires these offenders to complete sex offender treatment - including periodic polygraph exams - as a condition of release, with costs based on their ability to pay. Violating these restrictions or treatment requirements is punishable by a Class C felony. The bill also authorizes the Board of Pardons and Paroles to create rules for implementing these provisions.
SB 70 expands Alabama's law against transmitting obscene material to children by making it illegal to send such material to someone the sender *believes* is a child, not just to actual minors. The bill specifically targets online content depicting nudity, sexual conduct, or extreme sexual acts, whether real or simulated. It maintains the offense as a Class B felony, requiring adult trials with no option for record sealing or expungement. This change directly affects individuals who send inappropriate material online while mistakenly believing the recipient is underage, broadening the scope of the existing law.
HB 26 would require parole or probation officers to restrict certain adult sex offenders (those convicted of offenses involving children) from using post office boxes or electronic devices with internet access, such as computers, tablets, or phones. It also mandates that courts or the Board of Pardons and Paroles may require these offenders to complete sex offender treatment, including periodic polygraph exams, as a condition of release. Violating these restrictions or treatment requirements would be a Class C felony. The bill applies specifically to sex offenders under community supervision (like parole or probation) and authorizes the Board to create rules for implementing the treatment program, which would include cost-sharing based on the offender’s ability to pay. The bill is pending in the Alabama House Judiciary Committee and would take effect October 1, 2026, if passed.
