S 1458

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