The Alabama Balanced Instruction and Screen Use Act mandates the State Board of Education to establish standards for screen-based instruction for students in kindergarten through twelfth grade. The act emphasizes the importance of developmentally appropriate practices and the need for screen-based instruction to supplement, rather than replace, traditional teaching methods. Key provisions include the requirement for local boards of education to adopt policies aligned with these standards, the establishment of an Instructional Technology Task Force to provide recommendations, and the necessity for annual progress reports on the implementation and impact of screen-based instruction.

The bill also outlines specific exceptions to the prohibitions on screen use, including assistive technology for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), state or federally mandated assessments, and certain uses of technology by teachers. The act aims to ensure that screen-based instruction is grounded in research and supports educational goals while allowing for local flexibility and educator expertise. The act will take effect on October 1, 2026.