Commission outfits draft for bill 1782 to create AI funding infrastructure without state appropriation

Commission staff previewed draft revisions to Senate bill 1782 that would create an AI-focused advisory council and fund structure intended to attract federal grants and private donations without an initial state appropriation.

Michael Hannigan, who described the draft changes, said the rewrite focuses on creating infrastructure — accounts, an advisory council and research capacity — but removes state appropriations so the body can accept non-state funding. He said the fund language was redesigned so donors could direct their gifts to specific activities, and the draft added FERPA and accessibility protections and new transparency and rural-equity provisions.

Hannigan said the draft shortens the council activation period from 90 days to 45 days after the bill goes into effect and adds a requirement that the council include an appropriations recommendation early enough to be recorded before the next legislative session. "We added some legislative findings and some definitions that align with federal policy," Hannigan said, and he urged members to review the draft language and send feedback promptly.

Members discussed how the proposed fund could house professional-development and training grants for administrators, educators and librarians and whether private donors could direct gifts toward symposium and professional-development activities. Hannigan cautioned that donor restrictions and fund rules would both shape allowable uses.

The commission agreed to continue edits and to coordinate with legislative sponsors; Hannigan asked for feedback by 5:00 p.m. the next day, though members noted the timeline was tight. The commission planned follow-up work next week to finalize language and to engage the Senate author’s office should the draft move forward.