HB 96 (136th GA, 2025 operating budget), R.C. 3301.24: AI policies required for every school district, community school and STEM school

Summary

Ohio's operating budget for fiscal years 2026-27 enacted Revised Code section 3301.24. The Department of Education and Workforce had to develop a model policy on the use of artificial intelligence in schools by December 31, 2025, addressing appropriate use of AI by students and staff for educational purposes. Every school district, community school and STEM school had to adopt its own AI-use policy by July 1, 2026, and may adopt the department's model. The Department published the model policy, informed by the Ohio AI in Education Coalition, as a template districts may adopt as written or adapt. The statute requires that a policy exist; it does not prescribe its content beyond the model's scope.

Key dates

1. June 30, 2025Enacted
2. September 30, 2025Takes effect
3. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
4. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. Not later than July 1, 2026, each school district, community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, and STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code shall adopt a policy on the use of artificial intelligence.

   Supports: District policy duty and deadline

   Effective: September 30, 2025 Latest Legislation: House Bill 96 – 136th General Assembly

   Supports: Effective date and enacting act

   Section 3301.24, Artificial intelligence policy Ohio Legislative Service Commission (Ohio Laws) Primary source

2. 6-30-2025 Signed By The Governor

   Supports: Signing date

   House Bill 96 Status, 136th General Assembly Ohio Legislature Primary source

3. the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, informed by the work of the Ohio AI in Education Coalition, has developed a model policy that schools may choose to adopt.

   Supports: Model policy issued

   AI Model Policy for Ohio Districts and Schools Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Primary source