Pupils: technology-based materials: school-issued electronic devices

The law limits at-home device requirements for young children while preserving exceptions for special education, emergencies, and independent study. It also directs statewide guidance on age-appropriate school screen use and device transitions.

What the law does ​

• Bars local educational agencies from requiring kindergarten and transitional-kindergarten pupils to take home school-issued electronic devices, beginning in 2027–28.
• Allows take-home devices when required by a pupil’s individualized education program, during an emergency disrupting in-person attendance, or for independent study.
• Allows local educational agencies to authorize, but not require, take-home devices for kindergarten pupils.
• Encourages local educational agencies to regularly review screen-time and device policies with input from educators, families, pupils, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Requires the California Department of Education by July 1, 2027, to post and maintain screen-time resources and guidance for shifting take-home devices to classroom-based use, e-waste recycling, and buy-back programs.

Who it affects ​

• Kindergarten and transitional-kindergarten pupils.
• School districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.
• Teachers, school administrators, parents, guardians, and pupils participating in local policy reviews.