Senator Joey Hensley Highlights Education Legislation

State Senator Joey Hensley has released a legislative update highlighting several education-related measures approved during the recent legislative session.

Hensley said one measure he sponsored limits screen time for younger students and emphasizes teacher-led, in-person instruction for kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms. The legislation also requires schools to adopt policies governing classroom technology use and restricts student access to social media on school internet during the school day.

Another bill sponsored by Hensley strengthens student internet safety requirements in public and charter schools by requiring schools to regularly review internet safety policies and establish reporting and parent notification procedures for violations.

Lawmakers also approved legislation prohibiting unauthorized drones from flying over school property. The measure makes operating an unmanned aircraft over a school without permission a misdemeanor offense.

Additional legislation allows schools to stock epinephrine nasal spray in addition to auto-injectors to respond to severe allergic reactions.

Hensley also highlighted a new law aimed at increasing accountability for low-performing virtual schools. The legislation requires certain underperforming virtual schools to close after continued poor performance and requires parents to be notified when schools show signs of ongoing academic struggles.