Florida Senate - 2026                                    SB 1458
       
       
        
       By Senator Davis
       
       
       
       
       
       5-00962A-26                                           20261458__
    1                        A bill to be entitled                      
    2         An act relating to artificial intelligence in higher
    3         education; creating the Artificial Intelligence in
    4         Higher Education Study Group; providing the purpose,
    5         membership, and duties of the study group; requiring
    6         the study group to submit a report by a specified date
    7         to the Governor and the Legislature; providing for
    8         expiration; providing an effective date.
    9          
   10  Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
   11  
   12         Section 1. Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
   13  Study Group.—
   14         (1) CREATION.—There is created the Artificial Intelligence
   15  in Higher Education Study Group to review and make
   16  recommendations on the opportunities and risks presented by, and
   17  best practices for managing, artificial intelligence in academic
   18  instruction, research, and student conduct within the State
   19  University System and Florida College System.
   20         (2) MEMBERSHIP.—The study group shall consist of all of the
   21  following:
   22         (a) Faculty members appointed by the presidents of state
   23  universities and Florida College System institutions,
   24  representing a mix of disciplines, including humanities,
   25  sciences, and professional programs.
   26         (b) Representatives from the Board of Governors and the
   27  State Board of Education.
   28         (c) At least one expert in artificial intelligence,
   29  computer science, or data ethics.
   30         (d) At least one representative from the Southern Regional
   31  Education Board.
   32         (e) A representative from the Division of Florida Colleges
   33  within the Department of Education.
   34         (f) One student representative, who must be the student
   35  member serving on the Board of Governors pursuant to s. 1004.70,
   36  Florida Statutes, or the student member serving on the State
   37  Board of Education pursuant to s. 1001.71, Florida Statutes.
   38         (3) DUTIES.—The study group shall do all of the following:
   39         (a) Examine the impact of artificial intelligence on
   40  academic integrity, including plagiarism, contract cheating, and
   41  verification of student work.
   42         (b) Review potential applications of artificial
   43  intelligence in teaching, learning support, advising, grading,
   44  accessibility, and research.
   45         (c) Assess implications for privacy, intellectual property,
   46  and data security when artificial intelligence tools are used by
   47  faculty and students.
   48         (d) Consider safeguards to protect academic freedom while
   49  maintaining clear expectations for student conduct.
   50         (e) Identify professional development, resource, and
   51  training needs for faculty and staff to address the responsible
   52  use of artificial intelligence in the classroom.
   53         (f) Review national and international best practices in
   54  higher education regarding artificial intelligence governance
   55  and adoption.
   56         (g) Recommend model policies for institutions to adopt
   57  regarding the ethical and effective use of artificial
   58  intelligence.
   59         (4) STAKEHOLDER INPUT.—The study group shall solicit input
   60  from faculty senates, student governments, accrediting bodies,
   61  and industry representatives with expertise in artificial
   62  intelligence and workforce development.
   63         (5) REPORT.—By December 1, 2026, the study group shall
   64  submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate,
   65  and the Speaker of the House of Representatives with findings
   66  and recommendations, including model policies and any proposed
   67  legislation.
   68         (6) EXPIRATION.—This section expires December 31, 2026.
   69         Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.