A BILL TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 59-28-195 SO AS TO ESTABLISH LIMITATIONS AND SAFEGUARDS GOVERNING THE USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, TO REQUIRE PARENTAL NOTICE AND CONSENT, TO ENSURE HUMAN AND TEACHER OVERSIGHT, TO PROTECT STUDENT DATA, TO DEFINE TERMS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR ENFORCEMENT AND REMEDIES.
Impact
If enacted, H5253 would significantly influence the operational landscape of public education in South Carolina by formalizing the role of AI in schools. Notably, the bill stipulates that AI cannot supplant licensed teachers in core academic roles, ensuring that human oversight remains paramount. Moreover, it places strict conditions on data handling, asserting that student data must remain confidential and limits the collection to only what is necessary for educational purposes. Students would also have the right to opt-out of AI usage without penalty, which shields them from potential academic repercussions tied to AI-based instructions or evaluations.
Summary
House Bill H5253 seeks to establish regulations regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in public schools across South Carolina. The bill proposes the introduction of Section 59-28-195 to the S.C. Code of Laws that outlines various limitations and safeguards to ensure that any application of AI in educational settings respects parental rights and prioritizes student welfare. Specifically, the bill mandates that public school entities must obtain parental consent before allowing any use of AI tools in classroom activities and requires them to provide annual disclosures regarding AI tools deployed on their premises.
Contention
The bill may evoke diverse opinions among educators, parents, and policymakers. Supporters might view it as a protective measure aimed at balancing technological advancement with ethical considerations in education. Conversely, critics might express concerns regarding the operational burden it places on educators and school administrations in ensuring compliance with these regulations. They might argue that excessive regulation could hinder the beneficial integration of AI technologies in educational practices, thus stifling innovation and the potential academic enhancements that such technologies can provide.
Requires school districts to provide instruction on artificial intelligence; requires Secretary of Higher Education to develop artificial intelligence model curricula.