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Bill

Bill

S 4469

Requires boards of education to adopt policy on use of artificial intelligence; requires DOE to establish model policy.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Zwicker

NJ requires every school board to adopt AI-use policies for districts, guided by a state DOE model policy to ensure safe, ethical AI in education.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee
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Bill Summary · S 4469

Summary of Bill: S 4469 (New Jersey, Session 222)

Purpose and Intent

S 4469 requires New Jersey boards of education to adopt policies governing the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings. It also directs the Department of Education (DOE) to establish a model policy. The overarching goal is to provide clear guidance to school districts on how AI tools may be used by students, teachers, and other district staff, ensuring safe, ethical, and effective deployment of AI technologies in schools.

Key Provisions

  • Policy Adoption by Local Boards of Education

    • Each board of education in the state must adopt a local policy addressing the use of artificial intelligence within the district.
    • Policies are expected to cover guidelines, responsibilities, and procedures related to AI use by students and staff.

  • DOE-Established Model Policy

    • The Department of Education is tasked with creating and promulgating a model AI policy.
    • This model policy serves as a template or baseline for districts to reference when developing their own policies.

  • Scope of AI Use

    • While the bill text provided does not enumerate every AI use case, the policy framework is intended to address a broad range of AI applications, including educational tools, content generation, data handling, privacy, and appropriate supervision.

  • Accountability and Compliance

    • Districts adopting policies are expected to align with the model policy and any accompanying state guidance.
    • Policies likely to include implementation details, such as training, supervision standards, and mechanisms for handling misuse or safety concerns (though specific enforcement language would be in the enacted policy or DOE guidance).

Who is Affected

  • Local School Districts and Boards of Education
    • Required to adopt AI-use policies consistent with state guidance.
  • Teachers, Administrators, and Students
    • Direct users of AI tools in instructional and administrative contexts will be governed by district policies.
  • DOE and State Education Stakeholders
    • Responsible for developing the model policy and providing guidance to districts.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduced and Referred
    • Introduced in the Senate on 2026-06-15.
    • Referred to the Senate Education Committee for consideration.
  • Next Steps
    • The Education Committee will review, possibly amend, and vote on the bill.
    • If passed by committee, it would proceed to the full Senate and then potential further steps (e.g., Assembly action and gubernatorial approval) per the standard legislative process.

Notable Details

  • Sponsor: Co-sponsor Andrew Zwicker.
  • Status: As of the latest action, the bill is awaiting committee action in the Senate Education Committee.

Practical Impact

  • Establishes a state-level push to standardize how AI is used in K-12 education.
  • Aims to promote responsible AI use, protect student privacy, and ensure educators are equipped with guidance for integrating AI tools.
  • May influence procurement, professional development, and district policy development timelines once the model policy is released by the DOE.

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

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