Senate committee reports CS for SB 1694 to require AI and digital-literacy instruction in postsecondary core

CS for SB 1694, a bill to integrate digital literacy and instruction about artificial intelligence into postsecondary general-education core courses, was reported favorably by the Florida Senate Appropriations Committee on Higher Education. The committee heard public testimony and then voted to advance the committee substitute.

Senator Ana Maria Avila, the bill sponsor, told the committee the measure would require ‘‘technology integrated postsecondary general education core courses to provide instruction in digital literacy and competency, including the use of artificial intelligence tools’’ and listed related subject areas such as software engineering, computer networks, database systems and cybersecurity. She closed by saying the bill emphasizes both AI’s benefits and its limitations and urged the committee’s favorable support.

Supporters from advocacy groups and students told the committee they backed the bill’s intent. Luis Feliciano of Sea Alliance said, “The question is not whether students will use these tools, but whether they understand how they work,” and described the bill as a framework linking AI instruction to critical evaluation, recognition of limitations and ethical reasoning. Student Stanislav Costromen said he supported the bill but warned of ‘‘loss of skill’’ from overreliance on AI and urged training that preserves students’ independent problem-solving abilities.

Several witnesses raised implementation questions. Nia Babin of Sea Alliance supported the measure’s goals but told senators, “This bill does not currently provide dedicated funding for faculty training or create clear statewide assessment standards for AI literacy,” and asked how institutions would be supported to ensure consistent, high-quality instruction across campuses.

Senator Stacy Davis said she would support the bill and suggested the state consider introducing related instruction earlier, in middle school, to strengthen long-term outcomes. Senator Avila also referenced recent press reporting to illustrate the expanding reach of AI in government and security work.

The committee took a roll call and reported CS for SB 1694 favorably. No final bill text was adopted on the floor; the committee’s action forwards the committee substitute for further consideration. The committee did not specify funding for statewide implementation in the hearing; witnesses and senators noted funding and assessment standards will require follow-up.

What happens next: the committee reported the bill favorably to the next committee; proponents urged follow-up work on faculty training and assessment standards to ensure consistent implementation across institutions.