House Bill 96, part of the state’s FY 2026-27 operating budget, includes a directive to the state education department to create a model artificial intelligence use policy, plans for AI integration into community colleges and limits on cellphone use in schools.
K-12 CHANGES: AI GUIDELINES, CELLPHONE RESTRICTIONS
The bill stipulates that by Dec. 31, 2025, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce must release a model policy on the use of AI in schools, addressing how students and staff can use AI appropriately for educational purposes.
Following that, by July 1, 2026, school districts in the state must pass their own AI usage policies. While the law doesn’t require schools to implement AI instruction, each district must determine how AI can be used responsibly. Institutions can adopt the state’s model policy or create their own independently, as long as it's aligned with the model.
This builds on Ohio initiatives in the past, including an AI toolkit released by the state last year that contains sample lessons and ethical discussions without any mandates. Already, some schools and districts in Ohio have created AI policies and guidelines. In February, Worthington City Schools adopted a policy leaving AI use up to teachers’ discretion. On the other hand, Upper Arlington Schools has added a section to the student handbook saying, “Students are required to rely on their own knowledge, skills, and resources when completing school work,” and can only use AI with express permission.
In addition to AI guidance, the bill addresses concerns over student phone use in schools. It introduces a new requirement for each school district to implement a cellphone policy that prohibits student use during the school day, with limited exceptions, starting in January. Students can use phones for educational purposes deemed appropriate by the district, or for needs outlined in individualized education programs or a physician’s note. According to Ballotpedia, 32 states, including New York, Florida and Alabama, have laws or executive orders restricting cellphone use in schools.
Additionally, the bill makes career and technical education (CTE) a statewide requirement, asking all school districts to provide access to CTE programs for seventh to 12th grade students. The bill requires the programs to be comprehensive, reaching at least 2,250 students in the district, but allows flexibility on the programs themselves and exceptions for more sparsely populated areas. Districts can operate their own CTE or join with other districts or vocational schools to meet the requirement.
HIGHER EDUCATION: AI IN COMMUNITY COLLEGES, GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
For secondary education, the bill requires higher-ed institutions in Ohio to review their general education curriculum by Dec. 31, 2026. Schools then have until March 2027 to consider changes in key areas, including civics, AI, STEM and workforce readiness.
Some institutions have already started reviewing general education offerings. For example, Ohio State University updated its curriculum in June to promote AI fluency.
To encourage AI adoption in higher education, the bill also creates the Artificial Intelligence Integration in Community Colleges Pilot Grant Program, offering five $100,000 grants annually to eligible community colleges. The grants will support integration of AI into credential programs, faculty training, student certifications, and software or hardware purchases.
Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel said these initiatives aim to align education better with economic strategy and workforce needs.
“As Ohio continues to attract more jobs, it’s important that the state continues to invest in our workforce,” he said in a public statement earlier this month. “The budget Gov. DeWine signed today does just that and much, much more. It enhances support for career-technical education, job training, and apprenticeship programs tailored to Ohio’s industries.”
