Illinois is starting 2026 with a new law to help guide the use of artificial intelligence in schools, but lawmakers believe this is just the first step to address the evolving technology.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois is starting 2026 with a new law to help guide the use of artificial intelligence in schools, but lawmakers believe this is just the first step to address the evolving technology.

This law requires the Illinois State Board of Education to develop guidance for districts and teachers on the use of AI in elementary and secondary education.

"It specifies what information should be included in the guidance and establishes July 1, 2026 as a deadline for the State Board of Education to publish the guidance," said Sen. Doris Turner (D-Springfield). 

The guidance will include explanations of basic AI concepts and ways the technology can be used at the district, school and classroom level. It also calls for guidance on how districts and teachers can evaluate and address bias, privacy, transparency, and risk assessment for the use of AI.

"A year and a half after I had to start making my own decisions about AI in the classroom, I still have no official guidance to turn to," said math teacher Sarah Murmann. "I believe at this point, 25 other states have official guidance. CPS recently issued its own, but smaller districts like mine don't have the same resources."

The law requires information on the impact of artificial intelligence on student data privacy, including federal and state laws associated with privacy.

"What we're hearing repeatedly from teachers is that AI is constantly a source of topic and concern among their students and in their classroom," said Rep. Laura Faver Dias (D-Grayslake). "So, we need the state to step in."

Senate Bill 1920 also requires ISBE to encourage school districts to collect teaching resources to support American Sign Language programs by July 1.

Resources may include information on the importance and benefits of ASL instruction for early ages and its prevalence in the United States, ways to implement ASL instruction into the K-8 curriculum, and how to properly administer ASL instruction for students K08.

The legislation passed out of the house on a 74-34 vote and received unanimous support during the 2025 spring session. 

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