Maryland House Bill 1391 mandates AI guidelines for K-12 education system

The Maryland General Assembly's Ways and Means Committee convened on March 11, 2025, to discuss House Bill 1391, which aims to establish a comprehensive framework for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into K-12 education. Delegate Young, the bill's sponsor, emphasized the urgent need for statewide guidelines on AI usage in schools, citing the current lack of a cohesive policy and the rapid emergence of AI tools in educational settings.

The proposed legislation mandates the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) to develop and update guidance on AI, create a list of approved AI tools for classroom use, and establish a task force to study AI's implications in education. Young described the current situation as "the wild wild west," highlighting the absence of standards for AI ethics, data privacy, and curriculum integration. He argued that without proper guidance, the educational system risks falling behind in preparing students for future workforce demands in advanced technology fields.

Support for the bill was echoed by MSDE representatives, who noted that the legislation would enhance digital literacy and ensure safe AI usage among students and educators. They expressed commitment to professional development for teachers and collaboration with educational partners to implement the framework effectively.

The committee also discussed the fiscal implications of the bill, with an estimated cost of $575,000 annually for staffing the task force. Amendments to the bill aim to streamline resource management and adjust the implementation timeline to mid-2026.

Delegate Fair acknowledged the importance of the bill, stressing that Maryland must catch up with technological advancements to remain competitive. The committee concluded the hearing on House Bill 1391, with a favorable report anticipated as discussions continue on the necessary amendments and fiscal considerations. The outcome of this legislation could position Maryland as a leader in AI education, potentially attracting businesses and fostering a more skilled workforce.