Assembly committee adopts resolution urging intersegmental dialogue on AI in higher education

The Assembly Higher Education Committee on Tuesday adopted SCR 82, a resolution that urges California higher education segments to convene a work group, involve faculty and students, and coordinate on best practices for using artificial intelligence in instruction and campus services.

The measure’s author told the committee that AI is an emerging technology that poses both opportunities and risks for colleges and universities and said intersegmental coordination could improve training standards and joint procurement. Jason Henderson of the Faculty Association for California Community Colleges urged care that any work group respect faculty purview and academic freedom, noting differences in community college governance.

Supporters said some campuses are already experimenting with AI in different ways and that a shared approach would avoid duplicative work across systems. Senator Sharp Collins, citing years as an adjunct professor, asked to be added as a coauthor and offered classroom experience to the discussion. The chair moved the measure, and the committee adopted SCR 82 and re-referred it to the Assembly committee on privacy and consumer protection; the chair left the roll open for additional members to sign on and later reported the measure carried out of committee.

The resolution does not create binding legal requirements; it encourages dialogue and the formation of voluntary guidelines and a work group to recommend approaches for allowable AI use in teaching, training, and procurement across segments. The committee adjourned after completing consent items and other business.