Bill > HB0273

This bill mandates that the State Board of Education (SBE) develop model policies for the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in public school classrooms, with these policies to be in place by July 1, 2026. The SBE will also incorporate AI and digital literacy standards into the state's core computer science standards, focusing on educating students about AI generally and its appropriate use as a tool, alongside digital skills, social media literacy, screen-time management, and critical evaluation of online information. Local education agencies (LEAs), which are school districts or charter schools, must ensure that any instructional technology they use is educationally valuable, safe, and effectively supports learning outcomes, and they are required to minimize non-essential screen time and prioritize purposeful technology use. Furthermore, LEAs must adopt their own balanced technology use policies, which can be based on the SBE's model policy, and these policies must include provisions for transparency with parents, a resource plan for students struggling with technology-based learning, and an AI use policy. The bill also establishes guidelines for AI sandbox courses, which are high school courses focused on AI technologies, requiring parental consent and ensuring student safety and ethical use. Finally, LEAs must certify their compliance with these technology and AI policies to receive state funding for relevant programs.

Education

https://le.utah.gov/~2026/bills/static/HB0273.html