PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The Pennsylvania House Education Committee has advanced a series of bills aimed at helping school districts navigate artificial intelligence.
Lehigh Valley Democratic state Rep. Peter Schweyer, the committee chair, said Pennsylvania is “extraordinarily behind the times” when it comes to guiding schools, teachers, and staff through the world of AI in education.
The four bills set guidelines for AI, while allowing districts some latitude.
Schweyer said his bill sets clear rules for public school districts using third-party AI tech vendors.
“To help them make sure that they're acquiring AI products that are protecting student data privacy, that are meant and tailored for educational purposes and not just grabbing anything off the shelf,” he specified.
“What is abundantly clear is that we need to do a better job of helping and aiding, again, our public schools and such on AI and education.”
A similar bill from Western Pennsylvania Democratic state Rep. Brandon Dukes would require all school districts, both public and private, to adopt a clear AI use policy for students and staff.
Chester County Democratic state Rep. Melissa Shusterman’s bill would prohibit use of AI in providing mental health or behavioral counseling to students rather than a qualified professional.
And a bill from state Rep. Chris Pielli, also from Chester County, would create a state grant program to help schools train staff in effective and responsible use of AI, which he says gives districts flexibility to decide the best fit for their schools.
All four bills cleared the committee and will head to the House floor for further action.
