SIIA Urges Opposition to Iowa HF 2685 Technology Caps

SIIA submitted a letter to Iowa House Education Committee Chair Skyler Wheeler opposing HF 2685, legislation that would impose prescriptive instructional technology mandates, including a 60-minute daily screen time cap for grades K-5. SIIA argues the bill conflicts with Iowa's newly approved ESSA waiver under the state's Unified Allocation Plan (IUAP), which was designed to reduce federal red tape and redirect $8 million back into classrooms. The letter warns that the bill would reintroduce administrative burdens, undermine local district autonomy, and risk stranded investments in existing one-to-one device programs.

The letter further highlights research demonstrating that well-implemented educational technology improves student achievement, supports rural access to advanced coursework, and saves educators significant time. SIIA raises concerns about the bill's overbroad definition of "instructional technology" and its failure to distinguish between passive screen use and interactive, evidence-based learning tools. SIIA urges lawmakers to prioritize flexibility, local control, and fiscally responsible innovation over rigid statewide mandates.