K–12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]
Introduced
Summary
AI literacy and safe, responsible AI use become explicit priorities for K-12 education funding and training.
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This bill would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to authorize the use of ESEA funds for AI-enabled student instruction and to require professional development so educators can teach and use AI consistent with the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act definition (15 U.S.C. 9401).
- Students: Would allow classroom instruction on using AI in a safe, effective, and responsible way, making AI literacy an allowable focus of federal K-12 funding.
- Educators and school staff: Would require professional development and skill-building for teachers, paraprofessionals, school librarians and media personnel, specialized instructional support personnel, and administrators to use and teach AI.
- Local education agencies: Would be able to use existing ESEA-authorized funds for AI curricula, tools, and staff training, anchored to the statutory safety and responsibility standard.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
AI taught in K–12 classrooms
If enacted, state and local education agencies would be able to use federal K–12 funds to teach with artificial intelligence. Instruction would have to be provided in a manner that is safe, effective, and responsible. The bill ties the term "artificial intelligence" to the federal definition in the National AI Initiative Act (15 U.S.C. 9401). Schools could spend federal money on AI lessons, tools, or curricula.
Teacher training on classroom AI
If enacted, state and local education agencies would be able to use federal K–12 funds to train teachers and school staff on artificial intelligence. Training would have to prepare teachers, paraprofessionals, librarians, support staff, and administrators to use and to teach AI safely, effectively, and responsibly. The bill specifically includes professional development as an allowable use and relies on the federal AI definition in 15 U.S.C. 9401.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]
MT • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Budd, Ted [R-NC]
NC • R
Sponsored 8/4/2026
Sen. Tuberville, Tommy [R-AL]
AL • R
Sponsored 8/4/2026
Sen. Blackburn, Marsha [R-TN]
TN • R
Sponsored 8/4/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov