Three trends stand out as state lawmakers race to implement laws regulating artificial intelligence in K12 schools:

AI literacy is now a graduation requirement
Data privacy is critical
Leaders are relying on task forces before committing to mandates

This legislative session, 25 states have introduced or enacted AI bills for education, according to an analysis from FutureEd, an independent think tank at Georgetown University’s McCourt School of Public Policy. Among the 53 bills, only three have been enacted in two states:

Idaho’s S.B. 1227 directs the state education department to develop a comprehensive generative AI framework addressing privacy, procurement safeguards, transparency, academic integrity, AI literacy standards and professional development. Districts must adopt aligned policies.
Utah’s H.B. 218 requires a grade 7 or 8 digital skills course that covers AI literacy, cybersecurity and digital privacy.
Utah’s H.B. 273 integrates AI into the state’s computer science standards and adopts broader digital literacy guidelines covering ethical AI use, information filtering and critical evaluation of digital content. The law also authorizes supervised “AI sandbox” courses.

As for the remaining 23 states, legislation is on the move, and there’s a lot to speculate about around the future of AI in education.

AI literacy requirements

The most common theme throughout state AI legislation centers on embedding AI literacy into graduation requirements, academic standards or standalone courses. States like Iowa, Illinois, Ohio, Alabama and Missouri are considering requiring AI-related coursework—primarily in computer science—for high school graduation.

Instant Insights /

3 trends emerge as states race to regulate AI in K12

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