State Department of Education and Department of Information Technology - Evaluation on Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools

HB 981 requires Maryland's State Department of Education to evaluate how public schools use artificial intelligence (AI) tools. The bill mandates a survey sent to all school districts by August 2025, asking about AI policies for students (including age, disability, and language needs), current AI tools used for learning, infrastructure readiness, and support needs. The Department of Information Technology must assist by reviewing available AI systems for educational use, analyzing their cost-benefit and pedagogical value, and assessing potential statewide implementation. The evaluation will result in an interim report by January 2026 and a final report by December 2026, directly affecting all Maryland public school systems.