Committee forwards bill to build K–12 framework for online safety, AI and digital citizenship

The committee approved a do‑pass recommendation for HB1269, a small substitute that asks the State Board of Education to develop a framework for digital literacy and online safety for K–12 students by the 2027–28 school year.

Representative Wade described the substitute as an acknowledgment that artificial intelligence and other digital tools are where "the puck is going," and said the bill is not creating a new standalone course but rather directing the State Board to create standards and guidance to inform instruction. Topics listed in the substitute include age verification procedures, content filters, secure browsing tools and instruction on discerning use of generative AI.

The sponsor told the committee that the Department of Education had been consulted and was supportive of the concept and timeline, though a formal support letter was not filed. Members asked procedural questions about consultation with DOE and other agencies; the sponsor said he had spoken with a DOE contact who described the bill as favorable.

The committee recorded a do‑pass recommendation and forwarded the measure for next steps under rules.