The FOCUS Act aims to enhance safety and learning outcomes in Alabama's public K-12 schools by prohibiting the use, operation, and possession of wireless communication devices during the instructional day, starting in the 2025-2026 school year. Under the new provisions, students will not be allowed to use or possess these devices unless they are turned off and stored away, with exceptions for students with specific educational plans or during emergencies. Local boards of education are required to adopt a wireless communication device policy by July 1, 2025, which will outline consequences for violations and must be communicated to students and parents.

Additionally, the act mandates the development of an Internet safety policy and a social media safety course for students prior to entering the eighth grade. The Internet safety policy must limit student access to age-appropriate materials and prohibit access to harmful online content, while the social media course will cover safe practices and the risks associated with social media use. The bill also repeals Section 16-1-27 of the Code of Alabama, which previously allowed the use of electronic communication devices on school property. Overall, the FOCUS Act seeks to create a safer and more focused educational environment for students.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-1-27, 16-13-231, 16-40-13, 16-40-13, 16-1-27
Engrossed: 16-40-13, 16-1-27