HB 148 would require the Texas Education Agency to prohibit the use of artificial intelligence to score constructed-response answers on state assessment instruments administered to public school students, including assessments developed under the state’s assessment system provisions. In practical terms, the bill bars AI from being used to evaluate open-ended student responses on standardized tests, leaving scoring of those responses to non-AI methods.
The bill applies beginning with the 2026-2027 school year and would take effect on the 91st day after the legislative session ends. It amends Section 39.023 of the Education Code by adding a new subsection directing the agency to adopt this prohibition, thereby affecting state testing policy and any vendors or systems used to score student assessments.
Impact
HB 148 would change Texas education law by adding a specific restriction to the state’s assessment framework in the Education Code. It would require the Texas Education Agency to ensure that AI is not used to score constructed responses on statewide student assessments, which could affect testing contractors, scoring systems, and district-level assessment administration beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, support, or opposition in the available record. Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears precautionary and regulatory, reflecting concern about the use of AI in high-stakes student scoring rather than an effort to expand AI use in schools.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the use of artificial intelligence in educational assessment. Supporters would likely favor the bill as a safeguard for fairness, accuracy, transparency, and human oversight in scoring student work. Opponents or skeptics might argue that AI can improve efficiency, consistency, and cost savings, and that a blanket prohibition could limit innovation or increase administrative burden. No specific individuals or groups are identified in the provided materials.
Relating to parental rights regarding the use of machine grading to score certain portions of assessment instruments administered to public school students in this state.
Relating to the assessment of public school students, public school accountability and actions, and proceedings challenging the operations of the public school system.
Relating to public school accountability, including the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools, indicators of achievement and public school performance ratings under the public school accountability system, a grant program for school district local accountability plans, and actions challenging Texas Education Agency decisions related to public school accountability.
Relating to the implementation of an instructionally supportive assessment program and the adoption and administration of assessment instruments in public schools.
Relating to public school accountability, including reducing state required accountability exams to the minimum required by federal law and replacing current state required assessments with instructionally supportive assessments.