FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
STATEHOUSE (Jan. 26, 2026) — A bill authored by State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) that would help Hoosier students learn healthy tech habits passed the Senate today with bipartisan support by a vote of 41-3.
Senate Bill 159 would give parents increased control over school-issued technology on devices sent home from school.
"Parents often set limits on devices within their homes, but sometimes students can use school-issued devices like Chromebooks to get around these limits," Deery said. "Senate Bill 159 would give parents the authority to have controls on all devices entering their home while ensuring they can still be used for educational purposes."
Committee testimony on the bill emphasized that most schools already pay for parental controls outside of school hours, but many schools do not turn the service on or inform parents about it. Senate Bill 159 exempts schools in an existing contract without such capabilities but requires it of contracts going forward.
SB 159 now heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
Deery encourages residents of Senate District 23 to contact him with any questions or comments they may have. Deery can be reached by filling out a "Contact Me" form online at www.IndianaSenateRepublicans.com/Deery or by phone at 800-382-9467.
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State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-West Lafayette) represents Senate District 23,
which includes Fountain, Parke, Vermillion and Warren counties,
and portions of Montgomery and Tippecanoe counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
Contact: Lance Gideon, Senior Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
