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SF 516

A bill for an act directing the department of education to convene a working group to study the impact of technology on the cognitive function and academic performance of students.

2025-2026 Regular Session

Sets up a DoE-DHHS working group to study how school-provided technology affects cognition and learning, delivering a report with best practices to mitigate negative effects by 2025

Subcommittee reassigned: Taylor, Pike, and Winckler.
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Bill Summary · SF 516

Summary of Bill SF 516

Overview

SF 516 is a bill introduced on March 5, 2025, and referred to the Education committee. The bill directs the state Department of Education (DoE), in collaboration with the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), to convene a working group to study how school-provided technology affects students’ cognitive function and academic performance. The working group must produce findings and recommendations in a report to the General Assembly by December 31, 2025.

Purpose and Intent

  • Assess and synthesize research on how technology provided by schools impacts students’ cognitive abilities and academic outcomes.
  • Identify best practices to maximize educational benefits of technology while mitigating potential negative effects on social/behavioral development, attention, mental concentration, and learning ability.
  • Provide guidance that could inform future school technology policies and classroom practices.

Key Provisions

  • Collaboration and Support

    • The DoE, in collaboration with DHHS, will convene and provide administrative support to a working group.
    • The working group will examine research related to the impact of school-provided technology on cognitive function and academic performance.

  • Definition of School-Provided Technology

    • For purposes of this section, “school-provided technology” includes:
    • Laptop computers
    • Online learning management systems
    • Classroom slide show presentations

  • Membership

    • The working group must include, but is not limited to,:
    • Educators
    • Mental health professionals
    • Parents of school-age children

  • Expenses

    • Any expenses incurred by a working group member are the responsibility of the individual member or the entity they represent.

  • Reporting

    • The working group must submit findings and recommendations to the General Assembly by December 31, 2025.
    • The report should include recommendations on best practices related to the use of school-provided technology, with particular focus on mitigating negative impacts on social/behavioral development, attention span, mental concentration, and learning ability.

Affected Parties

  • Students and their cognitive/academic outcomes
  • Educators and school administrators
  • Parents of school-age children
  • Mental health professionals
  • State agencies: Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services
  • Potentially, entities providing school-provided technology (through funding or participation in the working group)

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduced: March 5, 2025
  • Status: Referred to Education
  • Legislative Actions:
    • March 5, 2025: Introduced and placed on calendar; committee report approved
    • June 16, 2025: Referred to Education (status in the House/Senate or equivalent body)
  • Reporting Timeline: Final report due December 31, 2025

Potential Impact and Implications

  • If enacted, SF 516 would establish a formal process to evaluate how school-provided technology influences student cognitive and academic outcomes.
  • The resulting recommendations could shape district technology policies, professional development, classroom practices, and student support services.
  • The emphasis on mitigating negative effects may lead to guidelines on technology usage, screen time management, and integration with mental health supports.

Note: This summary reflects the bill text and reported legislative actions. The bill’s fate will depend on subsequent floor action and possible amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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