Section 1

Establishes the Artificial Intelligence in Education Task Force (AIE) to determine the best means to use and oversee the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in educational settings. Requires AIE consist of six voting members, including one member of the Senate, appointed by the President Pro Tem, and one member of the House, appointed by the Speaker, to serve as cochairs; the Superintendent of Public Instruction or Superintendent’s designee; Chair of The University of North Carolina Board of Governors or Chair’s designee; the Secretary of the Department of Information Technology or Secretary’s designee, and one representative of the NC AI Leadership Council, chosen by the Council. Permits appointing ex officio nonvoting advisory members to AIE. Requires AIE to adopt certain rules and regulations governing its business. Defines quorum as a majority of members for purposes of conducting business and requires a majority vote of all members present at a meeting to give recommendations to NCGA. States AIE purpose, which is to be responsible for balancing innovation and public interest while endeavoring to mitigate risks and unintended consequences of AI and its regulation. Directs AIE to consider multiple issues related to AI use in schools. Requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to provide administrative support to AIE. Directs AIE to commence within 15 days of effective date and dissolve on December 31, 2027. Requires AIE report findings and recommendations to Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee no later than March 15, 2028.

Section 2

Enacts new GS 115C-81.66 requiring the State Board of Education to adopt standards for age-appropriate instruction on AI for kindergarten through grade 12. Sets out minimum instruction the standards should include. Permits standards to allow for AI instruction in standards for computer science courses offered in middle and high school. Requires DPI to provide professional development for teachers and administrators related to AI and its use in education, to the extent funds are made available for this purpose.

Appropriates $250,000 for 2026-27 from the General Fund to DPI to implement Section 2 provisions. Effective July 1, 2026.