OH K-12 AI Mandate
Ohio K-12 Artificial Intelligence Policy Mandate (HB 96)
First-in-nation mandate requiring all Ohio K-12 public schools to adopt formal AI usage policies by July 1, 2026. Ohio Department of Education and Workforce released model policy on December 30, 2025 covering academic integrity, procurement/privacy, and anti-bullying. Districts can adopt state model or create their own aligned policy.
Jurisdiction
Ohio
Enacted
Jan 1, 2025
Effective
Jan 1, 2025
Enforcement
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce
Model policy released December 30, 2025. All districts must adopt AI policy by July 1, 2026.
Ohio Department of Education and WorkforceWhy It Matters
First-in-nation K-12 AI mandate. Addresses child safety (deepfakes, harassment), privacy (student data), and academic integrity. Affects providers of educational AI products.
Recent Developments
Model policy released December 30, 2025. Ohio becomes first state to mandate K-12 AI policies. Sets precedent for other states.
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Who Must Comply
- All Ohio traditional public school districts
- Ohio community schools
- Ohio STEM schools
- Educational AI vendors serving Ohio schools
Obligations fall on:
Safety Provisions
- Academic Integrity: defines boundary between AI-assisted learning and plagiarism
- Procurement & Privacy: vetting standards for third-party AI tools to protect student data
- Anti-Bullying: addresses AI-generated harassment and deepfakes
- Student data protection requirements
- Age-appropriate AI use guidelines
Compliance & Enforcement
Key Dates
Dec 31, 2025
Ohio Department of Education and Workforce to develop model AI policy
Jul 1, 2026
All Ohio K-12 public schools must adopt AI usage policy
Penalties
School compliance enforcement through state education oversight; specific penalties not detailed
View on map
Ohio
Focus Areas
Cite This
APA
Ohio. (2025). Ohio K-12 Artificial Intelligence Policy Mandate (HB 96).
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Last updated February 17, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.