Overview: Bill Number: HD 3940, Title: An Act relative to issuing guidance regarding setting policies for the use of AI in schools, Status: Senate concurred, Introduced: February 27, 2025
Purpose and Intent: The purpose of this bill is to direct the state Department of Education to develop and issue guidance for school districts on setting policies for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the classroom. The goal is to ensure AI is leveraged in a way that protects student privacy, promotes equitable access, and maintains educational quality.
Key Provisions:
- Requires the Department of Education to convene a task force of education, technology, and legal experts to develop the AI policy guidance
- Specifies that the guidance must address issues like data privacy, algorithmic bias, accessibility, and appropriate use cases for AI
- Mandates that school districts adopt AI policies aligned with the state guidance within 1 year of its release
- Empowers the Department to monitor district compliance and take corrective action if needed
Affected Parties and Impacts: This bill would impact all K-12 public school students, teachers, and administrators in the state. It aims to ensure AI is implemented responsibly in educational settings to benefit students without compromising their rights or educational experience.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: The bill has passed both legislative chambers and is awaiting the governor's signature to become law. Once enacted, the Department of Education will have 6 months to develop the AI policy guidance for school districts.