In 2026, Indiana is considering passing SB 159, creating new legal expectations around school technology plans, Internet use policies, and how parents engage with student devices outside of school.
Senate Bill 159 isn’t just a filtering update — it’s a shift in how schools must include families in digital safety and screen time management. Two compliance deadlines are now on the horizon, and districts need the right policies and tools in place to meet them.
What is SB 159?
Senate Bill 159 amends Indiana’s education code to require all public school corporations and charter schools to:
- Update their technology plans to include how parents can exercise control over student device use after school hours
- Implement an Internet use policy that gives parents tools to:
- Increase the strength of the district’s Internet filter
- Limit the amount of time a student device can be used while not in school
Two key deadlines:
- July 1, 2026: Tech plans must include language on parent controls
- January 1, 2027: Internet use policies with parent-facing filter and time management controls must be adopted
“Each technology plan must include… a description of the school corporation’s or charter school’s plan to enable parents… to exercise control over a student’s technological devices while the student is not in school.”
“Not later than January 1, 2027… adopt and implement a policy that enables the parent of a student to increase the strength of the filter… and limit the amount of time… [devices] may be used… while the student is not in school.”
— Indiana Senate Bill 159, 2026
When Do SB 159 Requirements Take Effect?
Requirement
Tech plan language on parent controls
Parent-facing Internet use policy
Deadline
July 1st, 2026
January 1st, 2027
This phased approach gives districts time to plan — but implementation (and communication to families) needs to start now.
What Happens If Districts Don’t Comply with SB 159?
While SB 159 doesn’t spell out penalties, noncompliance can trigger real consequences:
- Districts may be out of alignment with state tech planning standards, impacting audits or reporting
- Lack of parent-facing tools could create legal exposure around screen time, mental health, or inappropriate content
- Schools may fall short of E-Rate CIPA requirements, which require filtering for harmful content — and risk losing critical federal connectivity funding
Proactively implementing compliant tools protects your district legally, financially, and reputationally.
How Does SB 159 Apply to Districts or Vendors?
SB 159 specifically calls on districts to document how they are giving parents control, not just adopt policies in name only.
That means:
- Your technology plan must describe how parent controls are implemented and accessible
- Your Internet use policy must include both filter strength customization and time-of-use restrictions, controlled by or configurable for parents
- You’ll need audit-ready documentation and reporting
Lightspeed is Your #1 Compliance Partner
Lightspeed’s platform directly aligns to SB 159’s two core mandates and provides additional value for schools trying to balance safety, connectivity, and digital wellness.
Lightspeed Filter™
- Granular filtering by user, device, group, time, and location
- Off-campus filtering settings can be strengthened based on policy or family preferences
- Enforces age-appropriate access in alignment with CIPA
- Generates real-time usage reports for compliance visibility
Lightspeed Parent Portal™
- Allows families to:
- Increase filtering strength for home use
- Set time-of-day usage limits
- View their child’s browsing activity
- Seamlessly connects to district SIS and integrates with Lightspeed Filter™
- Supports communication efforts and builds parent trust
This isn’t a workaround. It’s a direct match to SB 159’s requirement to empower families with real, functional controls.
What Should School Districts Do Now?
- Review your current tech plan and Internet use policy
- Does it describe or provide parent-facing controls?
- Assess your filtering and screen time tools
- Can parents control them? Are reports available?
- Launch (or expand) the Lightspeed Parent Portal™
- Lightspeed customers can activate this now; it’s built into Lightspeed Filter™
- Document everything
- Use screenshots, policy language, and configuration reports to align with deadlines
Compliance Mapping
Requirement
SB 159 Language
How We Help
Parent controls in tech plans
“Plan to enable parents… to exercise control…”
Filter + Parent Portal features can be described in planning docs
Filter strength control
“increase the strength of the filter…”
Parent Portal lets families request or apply stronger filter settings
Time-of-use limits
“limit the amount of time [devices] may be used… while not in school.”
Parent Portal allows daily time limits by hour or category
Let's Talk Compliance
We’re already helping other Indiana districts plan for SB 159 compliance. Whether you’re looking to update your tech plan, roll out filtering tools, or onboard families, we’re here to help.
Ready to see how it works or talk timelines? Reach out to our staff.
