Committee backs bill directing state to write screen-time guidelines for early childhood programs

The Education Policy Committee voted to give House Bill 78 a favorable report after adopting a substitute that directs state agencies to develop research-based guidelines limiting screen use in early childhood settings.

"HB 78 is a bill that, would require the Department of Early Childhood Education to develop guidelines for the appropriate use of screen time media in early childhood education programs," sponsor Representative Ross said during the committee’s presentation.

Under the substitute, the Department of Early Childhood Education, the Department of Human Resources and the State Department of Education must collaborate to develop standards for “high-quality, adult-supervised screen use” for children birth through age 5. Representative Ross told the committee that the bill clarifies there should be "no screen time for those under 2 years old," while time limits for ages 2 through 5 would be established as the agencies build the formal standards.

Committee members asked whether the measure would create new costs for child-care providers. Representative Drummond said she supported the bill but questioned whether centers, which frequently operate on thin budgets, would need additional funding to comply. Representative Ross replied that the Department already provides extensive training and that the new guidelines would be added to existing training offerings rather than requiring a separate funding stream.

A substitute was moved to the committee by Representative Baker, seconded by Representative Drummond, and adopted by voice vote. Representative Drummond then moved that the bill receive a favorable report; the committee approved the motion by voice vote.

The bill leaves specifics such as daily limits and enforcement to the state agencies that will develop the standards, while stating they should be based on current evidence and national pediatric recommendations.

The next step for HB78 is consideration by the full House committee process; the committee did not set a deadline for the agencies’ work in the substitute itself.