The proposed bill introduces the West Virginia Balance Act, which establishes standards for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in education. It mandates the State Board of Education to incorporate AI standards into core computer science education and includes new sections that define key terms related to instructional technology and AI. The legislation emphasizes minimizing non-essential screen time and ensuring that instructional technology is safe and effective. County boards of education are required to adopt a balanced technology use policy, maintain transparency with parents regarding instructional technology, and report on their policy adoption and compliance efforts.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of county boards in adopting AI policies, including training for educators and regular reviews. It prohibits the use of generative AI for grading or high-stakes decisions, ensuring that students produce work that reflects their own knowledge. The bill also allows for the creation of an AI sandbox course for students in grades 9 through 12, focusing on AI and data science while safeguarding student privacy. Overall, the West Virginia Balance Act aims to create a structured approach to integrating AI in education, balancing innovation with student safety and educational integrity.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-2-47, 18-5-55, 18-5-56, 18-5-57, 18-5-58, 18-5-59