Senate adopts amendment to require AI instruction in computer science standards, passes education bill
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Summary
The Senate adopted Amendment 50 26 to Senate File 2224, adding a requirement that computer science instruction include fundamental concepts of evolving technologies and artificial intelligence and address societal and ethical impacts; the bill passed, 47–0.
The Senate approved Senate File 2224, a bill revising computer-science education standards for grades 9–12 and practitioner preparation programs, after adopting an amendment that explicitly requires instruction related to artificial intelligence.
Senator Evans, sponsor of the bill, described Senate Amendment 50 26 as adding a requirement that "the high quality standards for computer science education must require that all levels and grades of computer science instruction include instruction related to the fundamental concepts of evolving computer science technologies and artificial intelligence, including instruction that explains what artificial intelligence is, how artificial intelligence works, and the societal and ethical impacts of artificial intelligence." He said higher education institutions could satisfy the requirement with a dedicated course or by integrating modules into existing preparation programs.
The amendment was adopted by voice vote and the bill as amended was read for the last time and passed by roll call, 47 yeas to 0 nays.
What happens next: The approved language directs the State Board of Education to adopt rules to implement the new standards; the floor record notes the board will adopt implementing rules but no timeline or budget was discussed on the floor.
