A new bill authored by State Rep. Martinez in the Arizona House seeks to require internet safety instruction for students using school-provided devices or access, according to the Arizona State House.
The bill, introduced as HB2029 on Jan. 7, ahead of the official start of the 57th Legislature’s first regular session on Jan. 13, was formally listed with the short title: ‘internet safety instruction; public schools’.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill mandates that, beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Arizona public and charter schools providing internet-connected devices or access to students must offer internet safety instruction for grades five through 12. The instruction will cover best practices for protecting students from online predators, avoiding scams, safeguarding passwords and personal information, and shielding students from opioids like fentanyl. By June 30, 2026, the Arizona Department of Education is tasked with compiling age-appropriate resources to satisfy these instructional requirements. Parents will have the option to opt their children out of this internet safety instruction.
Teresa Martinez is currently serving in the Arizona State House, representing the state’s 16th House District. She replaced previous state representative John Fillmore in 2023.
In Arizona, the legislative process begins when a bill is introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. It is then assigned to one or more committees for discussion and possible amendment. If approved by committee, the bill proceeds to floor debate and voting in both chambers. If both chambers pass the bill, it is sent to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. The Arizona Legislature convenes annually in regular session starting the second Monday in January. Lawmakers introduce hundreds of bills each session, though only a portion make it into law. You can learn more about the legislative process on the Arizona State Legislature website.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| HB2029 | 01/07/2025 | This bill mandates that, beginning in the 2026-27 school year, Arizona public and charter schools providing internet-connected devices or access to students must offer internet safety instruction for grades five through 12. The instruction will cover best practices for protecting students from online predators, avoiding scams, safeguarding passwords and personal information, and shielding students from opioids like fentanyl. By June 30, 2026, the Arizona Department of Education is tasked with compiling age-appropriate resources to satisfy these instructional requirements. Parents will have the option to opt their children out of this internet safety instruction. |
