Ohio Makes History: First State to Mandate AI Policies in K-12 Schools

Ohio has just broken new ground in education policy. With the passage of House Bill 96 (the state's FY 2026-27 operating budget), Ohio became the first state in the nation to require every K-12 public school district to adopt formal artificial intelligence policies.

What HB 96 Requires

The law mandates that the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) create a model AI policy that districts can either adopt directly or use as a framework for their own customized policies. These policies must address:

• Student and staff use of AI tools

• Data privacy and security protections

• Academic integrity and ethical considerations

• Compliance with federal laws (IDEA, Section 504, ADA)

• Vendor oversight and accountability measures

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Critical Deadlines

December 31, 2025: ODEW must release the state model AI policy

July 1, 2026: All districts must have an adopted AI policy in place

That's just six months between the model release and the district deadline—a tight timeline that requires districts to start planning now.

What Districts Should Do Now

With the clock ticking, school districts should:

1. Form a task force including administrators, teachers, IT staff, special education coordinators, and parents

2. Inventory current AI use across the district

3. Review existing policies on technology use and data privacy

4. Educate stakeholders about AI's role in education

5. Prepare to review the state model policy as soon as it's released

   
   

Why This Matters

This isn't just about compliance—it's about protecting students, ensuring equity, and maintaining academic integrity in an AI-powered world. The law specifically requires policies to address accessibility for students with disabilities and establish clear guidelines around appropriate use.

Ohio is leading the way in recognizing that AI in education isn't a future consideration—it's a current reality that demands thoughtful governance.