Technology (Broadband Access)

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 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.

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.