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Bill

SB 787

AI Ethics and Literacy Across Education.

2025-2026 Session Introduced by Woodson Bradley and 2 co-sponsors

Requires age-appropriate K–12 AI instruction with standards, plus $100,000 annual funding to support districts starting 2026–27.

Passed 1st Reading
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Bill Summary · SB 787

Summary of bill: SB 787 (North Carolina) – AI Ethics and Literacy Across Education

Basic purpose

SB 787, introduced in the North Carolina Senate (Session 2025) and filed April 21, 2026, aims to require age-appropriate instruction on artificial intelligence (AI) in K–12 classrooms. The bill directs the State Board of Education to adopt standards for AI education and provides funding to support districts as they implement these standards starting with the 2026–2027 school year.

Key provisions

1) AI instruction standards (G.S. 115C-81.66)

  • The State Board of Education must adopt age-appropriate AI instructional standards for kindergarten through 12th grade.
  • Standards must cover at least:
    • Basic concepts of AI, including how AI systems source and create content.
    • Real-world applications of AI.
    • Economic, legal, and social issues related to information provided by AI.
    • Responsible, ethical use of AI, including:
    • Privacy
    • Oversight
    • Academic dishonesty
    • The impact of human bias on AI models
  • The standards may be incorporated into existing standards for middle school and high school computer science courses, allowing alignment with current coursework.

2) Funding and implementation (Appropriation)

  • A recurring appropriation of $100,000 from the General Fund is provided to the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) for the 2026–2027 fiscal year.
  • Purpose: support schools providing AI instruction pursuant to G.S. 115C-81.66.
  • Distribution: funds allocated to each public school unit based on average daily membership (ADM).

3) Effective date

  • The act becomes effective July 1, 2026.
  • Requirements apply beginning with the 2026–2027 school year.

Affected parties

  • Students: K–12 students will receive AI education as part of their curriculum.
  • Public school units and districts: Responsible for implementing AI instruction standards and integrating related content.
  • State educational governance: State Board of Education to adopt standards; Department of Public Instruction to administer funding.
  • General Fund: Provides the $100,000 recurring appropriation for implementation.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • 2026: SB 787 filed (April 21) and scheduled for committee action (as of action history, referred to Rules and Operations of the Senate).
  • 2026–2027 school year: Start of implementation of AI instruction under the new standards.
  • July 1, 2026: Act becomes effective.

Practical impact and considerations

  • Establishes formal requirements for AI literacy in public schools, emphasizing both technical understanding and ethical considerations.
  • Provides modest initial funding to support development and rollout, with distribution tied to student enrollment (ADM).
  • Encourages alignment with existing computer science standards, potentially easing adoption for districts already offering CS coursework.
  • Addresses timely topics such as privacy, oversight, fraud/academic integrity, and bias, which are increasingly relevant as AI tools expand in educational settings.

If you would like, I can compare SB 787 to similar AI-education bills in other states or provide a brief implications note for school district policymakers.

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

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