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Bill

SB 5956

Addressing artificial intelligence, student discipline, and surveillance in public schools.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 9 co-sponsors

SB 5956 requires Washington schools to establish oversight for AI use, modify student discipline procedures, and restrict surveillance technologies while mandating transparency and accountability measures.

Referred to Rules 2 Review.
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Bill Summary · SB 5956

Legislative bill overview

SB 5956 regulates the use of artificial intelligence, student discipline procedures, and surveillance technologies in Washington public schools. The bill establishes oversight requirements for AI systems used in educational settings, modifies student discipline protocols, and places restrictions on surveillance tools. It requires school districts to implement transparency measures and establish clear guidelines around these technologies.

Why is this important

Schools increasingly use AI for tasks like student performance predictions, automated discipline recommendations, and classroom monitoring—tools that can perpetuate bias and affect student rights. This bill addresses growing public concern about surveillance in schools and algorithmic decision-making that may disproportionately impact students of color and students with disabilities. The outcome will determine whether Washington schools use these powerful technologies with meaningful oversight or proceed with limited accountability.

Potential points of contention

  • AI bias and accuracy: Critics may argue the bill either doesn't go far enough in preventing discriminatory outcomes or creates burdensome compliance costs that divert resources from classrooms
  • Surveillance scope: Disagreement over which surveillance tools should be restricted—facial recognition, social media monitoring, and location tracking have different risk profiles and practical implications
  • Student discipline authority: Tension between protecting students from algorithmic bias versus preserving school administrators' authority to maintain discipline and school safety
  • Implementation costs: Districts may claim compliance requirements are expensive; advocates may counter that protecting student rights is non-negotiable

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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