Lawmaker proposes task force to look at AI integration in schools

SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah lawmaker is trying to help schools stay ahead of the curve when it comes to artificial intelligence, by proposing a task force that would create a framework for AI within classrooms across the state.

The bill’s sponsor, Rep. Ariel Defay, R-Salt Lake City, said the task force will decide how Utah’s schools should be implementing AI and what challenges they need to watch out for.

“It will protect against the significant challenges of student data privacy and security, academic integrity, also promote AI literacy and equitable access,” Defay listed.

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She stated that the Utah State Board of Education has already adopted a framework for AI usage in schools, and some higher education institutions, like the University of Utah, have as well.

“Despite all these efforts, there are no centralized coordination [efforts],” Defay said. “They are operating a little bit in silos and I just thought it would be really important for us as policymakers to come together and be informed.”

As currently written, the task force would consist of 12 members and they would create the guidelines for schools to follow.

However, in the House Education Committee on Tuesday some people took issue with the size of the task force and what type of professionals would be on it.

Rep. Nicholeen Peck, R-Salt Lake City, mentioned that she would like to see at least one parent, and maybe even a student on the task force who could speak to these issues.

Ultimately, the lawmakers in the House Education Committee still unanimously gave the bill a favorable recommendation. It now heads to the House floor.

“I do see this as a very, very important issue and one that will shape the future of education and our society as a whole,” Defay said. “[It’s] definitely something we should be talking about.” 

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