Ohio Becomes First U.S. State to Require AI Policies in K–12 Schools

Ohio has made history as the first U.S. state to mandate AI policies in all K-12 public schools, establishing comprehensive governance frameworks through House Bill 96, signed into law as part of the state's operating budget. The groundbreaking legislation requires all public school districts to adopt artificial intelligence usage policies by July 1, 2026.

"You have to have some guard rails in place. At the same time you want to encourage innovation, but there's so many different considerations, so having some sort of policies are gonna be critical."

— Chris Woolard, Chief Integration Officer, Ohio Department of Education and Workforce

The mandate positions Ohio as a national leader in AI education governance, addressing critical concerns about academic integrity, data privacy, ethical usage, and student safety. While many states have issued general AI guidance, Ohio is the first to require mandatory policy adoption by school districts.

Legislative Framework

The requirement stems from recommendations by a coalition of businesses, nonprofits, and educators detailed in a report from November 2024. The legislation reflects growing recognition that AI integration in education requires structured oversight and clear guidelines for appropriate use.

The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has until December 31, 2025 to develop and release a comprehensive model AI use policy that will serve as a blueprint for school districts across the state.

Districts maintain flexibility in implementation, with options to either adopt the state's model policy directly or develop their own frameworks, provided they align with Ohio's overall blueprint and meet established standards.

The AI policies will establish comprehensive guardrails for responsible technology use while encouraging educational innovation. Key focus areas include privacy standards, data quality requirements, ethical usage guidelines, fair use principles, and academic honesty protocols.

"When they go out into the workforce, they're gonna have to step into that. And that's what we're hearing from our business partners—this is the reality of how quickly things are changing."

— Chris Woolard on workforce AI preparation

Several Ohio school districts have already implemented AI policies, providing valuable insights for the statewide framework development. These early adopters demonstrate varying approaches to AI integration and governance.

Balanced Approach Strategy

The state's approach emphasizes balancing innovation with protection, encouraging educational advancement while establishing necessary safeguards. This reflects input from educators, business partners, and technology experts who recognize AI's transformative potential and inherent risks.

Ohio's pioneering mandate may influence other states to adopt similar requirements, though political dynamics could affect implementation approaches across different regions. Education policy experts suggest varying responses based on state political leanings and educational priorities.

Federal Context

The legislation comes amid federal discussions about AI regulation, including proposed Congressional measures that could affect state-level AI governance. Ohio's proactive approach positions the state as a leader regardless of federal regulatory developments.

Broader Educational Technology Policy

House Bill 96 also includes complementary technology policies, such as mandatory cellphone restrictions during school hours starting January 2026, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to educational technology governance that balances innovation with focused learning environments.

Successful implementation will require comprehensive educator training and ongoing policy refinement as AI technology continues evolving rapidly. Districts must balance standardized frameworks with local needs and technological capabilities.

Workforce Preparation Focus

The initiative aligns with Ohio's broader workforce development strategy, recognizing that students will enter a job market where AI literacy is increasingly essential. The policies aim to prepare students for AI-integrated workplaces while maintaining educational integrity.