California Governor Gavin Newsom signed several bills on September 29, 2024, that address the need for guidance around using AI for public education. The education related bills signed are directed at integrating AI literacy for key subject areas and providing an AI model policy for students and educators. Newsom’s legislative approach both acknowledges AI’s permeative implications and the need for a proactive strategy for integration.
Among the full scope of AI bills that were signed, it appears Newsom, in general, prioritized issues such as watermarking for AI generated content, criminalizing deepfakes, combating erroneous information generated by AI, and other bills targeted at protecting children and employees.
More specifically though, Newsom uses two bills to address the needs of public schools to build a framework around AI. AB 2876 requires the Instructional Quality Commission (IQC), the body responsible for recommending curriculum frameworks and the adoption of instructional materials to the State Board of Education, to consider AI literacy to be included in the mathematics, science, and history-social science curriculum frameworks and instructional materials in its January 2025 review and revision.
SB 1288 requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to convene a working group to explore how AI and other forms of similarly advanced technology are currently being used in education. On or before January 2026, the working group is to develop guidance for school districts, county offices of education and charter schools on the safe use of AI in education and develop a model policy regarding the safe and effective use of AI in ways that benefit, and do not negatively impact, pupils and educators.
The bill requires the working group to report its findings and recommendations on AI in education on or before January 2027 to the legislature after which the working group will dissolve.
These bills are aimed at addressing the needs of educators to use AI for educational purposes in ways that have been examined by thought leaders and evaluated closely to maximize their benefit to public schools and minimize risk or harm to educational environments.
F3 attorneys are available to assist in drafting or updating AI and related policies as well as addressing questions or concerns regarding AI implementation and prohibition.
