H959 - Various Education Changes. (SL 2025-38)

Overview: Section 1 of S.L. 2025‑38 (House Bill 959) requires local boards of education to adopt policies on student access to the internet on devices or internet services provided by local school administrative units (LEAs). The policies must do all of the following:  

• Limit access by students to only age‑appropriate subject matter and materials.
• Protect the safety and security of students when accessing email, chat rooms, and other forms of electronic communication.
• Prohibit unauthorized access by students to data or information maintained by the LEA, including by "hacking" and other unlawful online activities.
• Prevent access to websites, web applications, or software that do not protect against the disclosure, use, or dissemination of a student's personal information.
• Prohibit and prevent students from accessing social media platforms, except when expressly directed by a teacher solely for educational purposes.

This section became effective July 1, 2025. Local boards of education must adopt required policies by January 1, 2026.