Proposed Missouri Bill Would Limit Screentime in K-5 Education
By : Natalie Lo
Missouri legislators are continuing to focus on technology usage in schools. In July 2025, Governor Mike Kehoe signed Senate Bill 68, which enacted a statewide ban on electronic communication devices in Missouri public and charter schools starting in the 2025–26 academic year. A new proposed bill would limit technology use in elementary schools, while the past bill affects primarily middle and high schools.
House Bill 2230, proposed by State Representative Tricia Byrnes, would limit screen time to 45 minutes per day in kindergarten through 5th grade. The bill also mandates an increase in paper assignments and textbooks. 70% of assignments would need to be completed through paper and pencil. Additionally, students would be required to have dedicated handwriting practice and cursive instruction in grades two through five, citing that cursive supports letter recognition, decoding, orthographic mapping, reading fluency, phonological awareness, and more.
There would be some exceptions to the 45-minute screentime limit. Students with special education needs would be allowed to use technology as needed, including assistive or adaptive technology. Furthermore, teacher-directed demonstrations and lessons that include a smartboard or projector are not counted in the 45-minute screen limit.
Supporters believe the bill would bring schools back to the basics and reduce dependence on technology. In a survey from 2025, only 44% of Missouri respondents favored providing individual laptops to students in elementary school.
Critics of the bill cite apprehension about the impact on students who rely on virtual education due to health or disciplinary reasons. 3,300 students attend virtual schools, including those homeschooled, expelled, or with serious health concerns. There is currently no exception for virtual schools in the bill.
If passed, the bill would go into effect at the start of the 2027–2028 school year.
Published April 2026
MORE FROM THE PRiME BLOGS
House Bill 22-30, proposed by State Representative Tricia Byrnes, would limit screen time to 45 minutes per day in kindergarten through 5th grade. The bill also mandates an increase in paper assignments and textbooks. 70% of assignments would need to be completed through paper and pencil. Additionally, students would be required to have dedicated handwriting practice and cursive instruction in grades two through five. The bill states that cursive supports letter recognition, decoding, orthographic mapping, reading fluency, phonological awareness, and more.