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MarylandSB 07202026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Education - Artificial Intelligence - Guidelines, Professional Development, and Collaborative (Artificial Intelligence Ready Schools Act)

Sponsored By: Katie Fry Hester (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Primary and Secondary EducationInformation Technology - GenerallyAccessibility - see also- Blind; Deaf; Disabilities; etcArtificial Intelligence -see also- BiometricsCertificationsCommittees and CommissionsContinuing EducationCounties -see also- Chartered Counties; Code Counties; etc.CurriculumDisabilitiesEducation, Boards ofEducation -see also- ContEd; DrvEd; HigherEd; etc.Education, State Department ofElectronic CommunicationElectronic GovernmentEthicsEvaluations and ReviewsHigher Education -see also- Comm Colleges; Med Schools; etc.Information TechnologyIntergovernmental Cooperation -see also- AdmAgn; Cmts; etc.Job Training -see also- Continuing Ed; Vocational RehabLanguage -see also- Communications; LiteracyLicenses -see also- AB Lic; Certifications; DrLic; PermitsLiteracyLocal Government MandatesParents and GuardiansPrimary Schools -see also- Private Schools; Public SchoolsPrivacyProcurementPublications -see also- Maryland Register; TextbooksPublic InformationReportsSafety -see also- Occupational SafetySchool AdministrationSecondary Schools -see also- Private Schools; Public SchStandards and Best PracticesState Universities and CollegesStudentsStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsSunsetTeachersTimeWork, Labor, and Employment -see also- JobTrn; Leave; etc.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

AI added to K–12 standards

By June 1, 2027, AI literacy is part of Maryland’s K–12 computer science and workforce prep standards. By January 1, 2027, the Collaborative recommends a regular process to keep state standards up to date using best practices.

AI training for teachers and leaders

The Department provides AI professional development to teachers and school leaders starting June 1, 2026. Training covers how AI works, classroom and admin use, privacy and security, academic integrity, and avoiding overreliance. It must be long and strong enough to prepare staff to use AI well. Sessions happen during the regular workday or count for license renewal credit.

State AI guidance for schools

The Maryland State Department of Education runs an online AI guidance hub starting June 1, 2026. It posts separate guidance for students, educators, administrators, and parents. The Department reviews and updates the guidance every year. It explains safe, responsible, and ethical AI use and how privacy and accessibility laws apply. The Department also creates plans to help county boards and superintendents put this guidance in place.

State collaborative to guide school AI

Maryland creates the AI Education Collaborative on June 1, 2026. The State Superintendent names the chair, and the Department provides staff. Members are unpaid but can be reimbursed for travel. The group studies AI use in every district, recommends updates to guidance and training, and tracks progress. It reports by December 1, 2027, and every December 1 after, on training, guidance adoption, AI use in teaching and admin, and student screen time by grade. The Collaborative ends May 31, 2028, unless extended.

Local school AI policies and roles

Each local school system must adopt an AI policy within 120 days after the State issues its guidance. Each system must name a central‑office, noninstructional AI coordinator to work with the State. Districts must use the State’s rubric when choosing AI tools, and a public university can help review tools on request. Purchases of AI tools must follow state procurement law. These rules take effect June 1, 2026.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Katie Fry Hester

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Dalya Attar

    Democratic • Senate

  • Benjamin Brooks

    Democratic • Senate

  • Brian J. Feldman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Kevin M. Harris

    Democratic • Senate

  • Ron Watson

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 215 • No: 8

House vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 129 • No: 8 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 4/13/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 45 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/20/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 41 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by the Governor - Chapter 634

    5/26/2026

  2. Passed Enrolled

    4/13/2026Senate

  3. Third Reading Passed (45-0)

    4/13/2026Senate

  4. Senate Concurs House Amendments

    4/13/2026Senate

  5. Third Reading Passed (129-8)

    4/13/2026House

  6. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    4/11/2026House

  7. Favorable with Amendments {783421/1 Adopted

    4/11/2026House

  8. Favorable with Amendments Report by Ways and Means

    4/11/2026House

  9. Hearing 4/01 at 1:00 p.m.

    3/23/2026House

  10. Referred Ways and Means

    3/21/2026House

  11. Third Reading Passed (41-0)

    3/20/2026Senate

  12. Second Reading Passed with Amendments

    3/19/2026Senate

  13. Favorable with Amendments {983227/1 Adopted

    3/19/2026Senate

  14. Favorable with Amendments Report by Education, Energy, and the Environment

    3/18/2026Senate

  15. Hearing 2/26 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/16/2026Senate

  16. Hearing canceled

    2/16/2026Senate

  17. Hearing 3/04 at 1:00 p.m.

    2/10/2026Senate

  18. First Reading Education, Energy, and the Environment

    2/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

  • Enacted

    5/26/2026

    PDF

  • Enrolled

    4/13/2026

    PDF

  • Third Reading

    3/19/2026

    PDF

  • First Reading

    2/10/2026

    PDF

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