The Florida Senate
BILL ANALYSIS AND FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT
(This document is based on the provisions contained in the legislation as of the latest date listed below.)
Prepared By: The Professional Staff of the Appropriations Committee on Education
BILL: CS/SB 1344
INTRODUCER: Education Pre-K -12 Committee and Senator Calatayud
SUBJECT: Computer Science Education
DATE: February 7, 2024 REVISED:
ANALYST STAFF DIRECTOR REFERENCE ACTION
1. Jahnke Bouck ED Fav/CS
2. Gray Elwell AED Favorable
3. FP
Please see Section IX. for Additional Information:
COMMITTEE SUBSTITUTE - Substantial Changes
I. Summary:
CS/SB 1344 establishes the AI in Education Task Force within the Department of Education
(DOE) to evaluate the potential applications of artificial intelligence in K-12 and higher
education and to develop policy recommendations.
Additionally, the bill requires the DOE to adopt and publish a strategic plan for a statewide
computer science education program.
The bill has an insignificant negative fiscal impact on the DOE. See Section V., Fiscal Impact
Statement.
The bill takes effect July 1, 2024.
II. Present Situation:
Computer Science
The influence of computing is felt daily and experienced on a personal, societal, and global level.
Computer science, the discipline that makes the use of computers possible, has driven innovation
in every industry and field of study and is powering approaches to many of the world’s
BILL: CS/SB 1344 Page 2
challenges.1 Computer knowledge and skills are increasingly being recognized as foundational
for an educated citizenry as computer science is considered a central component of innovation,
economic growth, and employment.2
Computer science is also fundamental for student success. Multiple studies have shown that
students who study computer science perform better in other subjects, excel at problem-solving,
and are 17 percent more likely to attend college. Although 90 percent of parents want their child
to study computer science, only 57.5 percent of high schools teach computer science.3
Computer Science Courses and Instruction
Florida law defines computer science as the study of computers and algorithmic processes,
including their principles, hardware and software designs, applications, and their impact on
society. Computer science also includes computer coding and computer programming. 4
Foundational skills for computer science learning include problem solving, such as
computational thinking, understanding and recognizing patterns, understanding and
implementing sequencing, and understanding representation, meaning how computers represent
data.5
Computational thinking, which refers to the thought processes involved in expressing solutions
as computational steps or algorithms that can be carried out by a computer, is essentially a
problem-solving process that designs solutions that capitalize on the power of computers.6
Although typically associated with computer science, computational thinking can also be applied
in the classroom setting through lessons in core subject areas.7
Florida public schools are required to provide students in grades K-12 opportunities for learning
computer science including computer coding and computer programming. Such opportunities
may include:
Instruction on computer coding in elementary and middle school; and
Instruction to develop computer usage and digital literacy8 skills in middle school.9
1
K12 Computer Science, K12 Computer Science Framework (2016), available at https://k12cs.org/wp-
content/uploads/2016/09/K%E2%80%9312-Computer-Science-Framework.pdf at 1 (last visited Jan. 30, 2024)
2
Education Commission of the States, State-level Policies Supporting Equitable K-12 Computer Science Education (2017),
available at https://www.ecs.org/wp-content/uploads/MassCAN-Full-Report-v10.pdf at 7 (last visited Jan. 30, 2024).
3
Code.org, Why Computer Science, https://code.org/promote (last visited Jan. 18, 2024). Code.org, More Data and Talking
Points for Advocacy, Why study computer science, https://code.org/promote/morestats (last visited Jan.18, 2024).
4
Section 1007.2616(1), F.S.
5
K-12 Computer Instruction Framework Steering Committee, K-12 Computer Instructional Framework (2016), pgs. 183-
198, available at https://k12cs.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/K%E2%80%9312-Computer-Science-Framework.pdf. (last
visited Jan. 30, 2024).
6
Id at 68.
7
For example, in English language arts, students may be asked to analyze simple sentences and determine a framework for
generating similar sentences, using pattern recognition and problem solving skills. Code.org, Computational Thinking Lesson
Assessment, available at https://code.org/curriculum/course3/1/Assessment1-CompThinking.pdf (last visited Jan. 30, 2024)
8
Digital literacy is the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate
information, requiring both cognitive and technical skills. American Library Association, Digital Literacy,
https://literacy.ala.org/digital-literacy/ (last visited Jan. 19, 2024).
9
Section 1007.2616(2), F.S.
BILL: CS/SB 1344 Page 3
Elementary and middle schools may establish digital classrooms in which students are provided
opportunities to improve digital literacy and competency; to learn digital skills, such a coding,
multiple media presentation, and the manipulation of multiple digital graphic images. Students
may also have the opportunity to earn digital tool certificates and certifications.10
Computer science courses must be offered to students in middle school and high school,
including opportunities to earn industry certifications related to the courses.11 Computer science
courses and technology-related industry certifications that are identified as meeting mathematics
or science requirements for high school graduation must be included in the Course Code
Directory (CCD).12
The Florida Virtual School (FLVS) must offer computer science courses identified in the CCD.
If a school district does not offer an identified course, the district must provide students access to
the course through FLVS or other means.13
There are 72 middle and high school, as well as two elementary school, computer science
courses currently identified in the CCD.14
Regulating Artificial Intelligence in Education
Federal Action
The recent surge in the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) applications has prompted
discussions about the role of this technology in the field of education. In fall 2022, the White
House Office of Science and Technology announced15 a series of steps to address the rise of AI-
driven tools across a variety of sectors.16 The United States Department of Education (USDOE)
was charged with developing guidance and recommendations for the use of AI in teaching and
learning. The USDOE published the report in May 2023 with guidance and recommendations
focused on the use of AI to:
leverage automation;
support education systems, teachers, and classroom planning;
interrogate data and examine inequities; and
protect student privacy and assess student learning.17
10
Section 1007.2616(5), F.S. See s. 1003.4203, F.S.
11
Id.
12
Section 1007.2616(6), F.S.
13
Section 1007.2616(3), F.S.
14
Florida Department of Education, Florida Course Code Directory Computer Science Course Information 2023-2024,
available at https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/7746/urlt/2324CompSci.pdf. (last visited Jan. 30, 2024).
15
The White House, Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces Key Actions to Advance Tech Accountability and
Protect the Rights of the American Public, https://www.whitehouse.gov/ostp/news-updates/2022/10/04/fact-sheet-biden-
harris-administration-announces-key-actions-to-advance-tech-accountability-and-protect-the-rights-of-the-american-public/
(last visited Jan. 30, 2024).
16
Education Commission of the States, State Information Request AI Regulation Policies (Dec. 12 2023), available at
https://www.ecs.org/wp-content/uploads/State-Information-Request_AI-Regulation-Policies.pdf. (last visited Jan. 30, 2024).
17
United States Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of
Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations (May 2023), available at https://www2.ed.gov/documents/ai-
report/ai-report.pdf. (last visited Jan. 30, 2024).
BILL: CS/SB 1344 Page 4
The report notes several desired national research and design (R&D) objectives, such as,
“creating and studying effective programs for AI literacy for students, teachers and educational
constituents in general, including literacy with regard to the ethics and equity issues specific to
AI in educational settings.”18
State Action
A few states are in the early stages of developing policies and guidance related to AI in
education.19 In January 2024, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction became the
fourth state education department to issue guidance to its schools on the use of AI technology. 20
Executive orders have been signed by the Governors in seven states to establish task forces to
recommend or establish standards and policies regarding the use of AI in education.21
III. Effect of Proposed Changes:
This bill creates s. 1003.4202, F.S., to establish the AI in Education Task Force (task force)
within the Department of Education (DOE), which must provide administrative support. The
purpose of the task force is to:
Evaluate the potential applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in K-12 and higher
education.
Develop policy recommendations for responsible and effective uses of AI by students and
educators.
Create a definition for the term “artificial intelligence.”
Identify workforce needs related to AI, computational thinking, and computer science.
Provide policy recommendations to ensure that the state develops education and workforce
training programs that align with changing industry needs.
The bill provides the following definitions:
“Computational thinking” as the thought process involved in expressing solutions as
computational steps or algorithms that can be carried out by a computer.
“Computer science” as the study of computers and algorithmic processes, including their
principles, hardware and software designs, applications, implementation, and impact on
society, and includes computer coding, computer programming, computational thinking,
robotics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer networking, and
physical computing.
The bill establishes the Commissioner of Education as the chair of the task force. Other members
of the task force must be appointed by the Governor by October 1, 2024, as follows:
18
United States Department of Education, Office of Educational Technology, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of
Teaching and Learning: Insights and Recommendations (May 2023), available at https://www2.ed.gov/documents/ai-
report/ai-report.pdf, at 51 (last visited Jan. 30, 2024)
19
Education Commission of the States, State Information Request AI Regulation Policies (Dec. 12 2023), available at
https://www.ecs.org/wp-content/uploads/State-Information-Request_AI-Regulation-Policies.pdf. (Last visited Jan. 30, 2024)
20
EdNC, N.C. DPI releases guidebook on the use of AI in schools, https://www.ednc.org/n-c-dpi-releases-guidebook-on-the-
use-of-ai-in-schools/ (last visited Jan. 30, 2024)
21
Education Commission of the States, State Information Request AI Regulation Policies (Dec. 12 2023), available at
https://www.ecs.org/wp-content/uploads/State-Information-Request_AI-Regulation-Policies.pdf. (Last visited Jan. 30, 2024)
BILL: CS/SB 1344 Page 5
A representative from the State Board of Education (SBE);
A representative from the Board of Governors of the State University System;
A representative from the Division of State Purchasing within the Department of
Management Services with expertise in technology procurement and data privacy standards;
A representative from the Office of the Attorney General;
One school board member and one district school superintendent, each representing a rural
school district, a suburban school district, and an urban school district, respectively;
A school district educational technology director;
Faculty in this state with expertise on AI, educational technology, or ethics from a public
college, a private college, and a community or technical college, respectively;
Educators from one public school, one public charter school, and one private school in this
state; and
Leaders from three industry sectors in this state directly affected by developments in AI.
The bill requires the task force to meet at least four times per year beginning January 1, 2025,
and to complete its work within one year. Upon completion, the task force must submit
recommendations to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives. The bill specifies that all meetings must be open to the public.
The bill requires the task force to do all of the following:
Evaluate the current state of AI technology and its potential applications in K-12 and higher
education.
Assess the ethical, legal, and data privacy implications of AI usage in education.
Additionally, the bill requires the DOE to adopt and publish a strategic plan for a statewide
computer science education program by February 28, 2026, which must include, at a minimum,
all of the following:
A statement of purpose describing the objectives or goals the DOE will accomplish by
implementing a computer science education program, the strategies by which those goals will
be achieved, and a timeline for achieving them.
A summary of the current state landscape for K-12 computer science education, including the
diversity of students taking these courses.
A plan for expanding flexible options to license computer science teachers, which may
include approval codes technical permits, ancillary licenses, and standard licenses.
A plan for expanding computer science education opportunities to every school in the state
by the timeline established within the statement of purpose.
A plan for defining high-quality professional learning for teachers to begin teaching
computer science.
An ongoing evaluation process that is overseen by the DOE.
Proposed rules that incorporate the principles of the strategic plan into the state’s public
education system as a whole.
A recommended long-term plan for implementing a requirement that every K-12 public
school and public charter school employ at least one certified or endorsed computer science
teacher or one career and technical education teacher trained in computer science.
A plan to ensure long-term sustainability.
BILL: CS/SB 1344 Page 6
The bill requires the SBE to adopt rules regarding the task force and strategic plan provisions
created in the bill.
The bill takes effect July 1, 2024.
IV. Constitutional Issues:
A. Municipality/County Mandates Restrictions:
None.
B. Public Records/Open Meetings Issues:
None.
C. Trust Funds Restrictions:
None.
D. State Tax or Fee Increases:
None.
E. Other Constitutional Issues:
None.
V. Fiscal Impact Statement:
A. Tax/Fee Issues:
None.
B. Private Sector Impact:
None.
C. Government Sector Impact:
There is an insignificant negative fiscal impact to the Department of Education to
administer the AI Task Force and to develop a strategic plan for a statewide computer
science education program. No agency analysis has been provided at this time.
VI. Technical Deficiencies:
None.
VII. Related Issues:
None.
BILL: CS/SB 1344 Page 7
VIII. Statutes Affected:
This bill creates section 1003.4202 of the Florida Statutes.