Governor Kay Ivey signed Executive Order No. 745 on Wednesday, establishing the Governor’s Commission on Screen-Based Instruction to study the use, risks, and benefits of screen-based instruction in Alabama’s K-12 classrooms and provide evidence-based recommendations.
This initiative underscores the administration's commitment to responsible classroom screen time, building on previous legislative successes. "Responsible use of classroom screen time is a top priority of my Administration, and while we are already making a difference by passing two signature laws to address it, we can still do more," said Governor Ivey. She added that "Children’s overexposure to screens is a barrier to classroom learning and the acquisition of critical emotional and social skills."
The executive order follows the 2025 FOCUS Act, which banned cell phones in classrooms, and the 2026 Healthy Early Development and Screen Time Act, limiting screen time for kindergarteners and childcare facilities. Governor Ivey emphasized the importance of traditional teaching methods, stating, "Traditional classroom teaching methods emphasizing human interaction must remain the core of a child’s learning experience."
The Commission, chaired by Representative Jeana Ross, includes educators, administrators, specialists, and parent and workforce representatives. Its findings will inform potential new legislation during the 2027 legislative session, with a final report due to the governor, Legislature, and State Board of Education by December 1st.