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Bill

SB 704

State Department of Education and Department of Information Technology - Evaluation on Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Katie Hester

Maryland will evaluate artificial intelligence use in public schools to assess impacts on student outcomes, equity, and privacy before expanding AI adoption.

Hearing 2/21 at 9:30 a.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 704

Legislative bill overview

SB 704 directs Maryland's State Department of Education and Department of Information Technology to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of artificial intelligence applications currently being used or proposed for use in public schools. The bill requires these agencies to assess AI's impact on student outcomes, equity, privacy, and educational effectiveness, then report findings and recommendations to the General Assembly.

Why is this important

As AI tools increasingly enter classrooms—from automated grading systems to personalized learning platforms—policymakers need data on whether these technologies actually improve education and whether they create new disparities. This evaluation could inform future regulations protecting student privacy and ensuring AI benefits all students equitably rather than widening achievement gaps.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and cost: Defining what counts as "AI in schools" is complex; a thorough evaluation requires significant resources and expertise
  • Timeline concerns: The bill doesn't specify deadlines, potentially delaying actionable recommendations while AI adoption continues
  • Privacy and data access: Evaluating AI effectiveness may require analyzing sensitive student data, raising privacy concerns and implementation challenges
  • Regulatory implications: Depending on findings, this could lead to restrictions on vendor contracts or costly school technology overhauls

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

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