U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., introduced legislation on May 12 that would clarify that states and school districts can use existing federal education funds for artificial intelligence (AI) instruction and educator training.
The K-12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act of 2026 would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to allow federal funds to support student instruction on the safe, effective, and responsible use of AI. The bill would not create new spending programs.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping our economy and our kids’ futures faster than anything since the internet, yet too many schools still don’t have the authority or the resources to keep up,” Fine said in a press release.
“That’s why I’m introducing the K-12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act – to let states and districts use existing federal dollars for AI instruction, train our teachers, and make sure every student learns to use this technology safely and responsibly,” he added.
Under the bill text, allowable uses of funds would include AI instruction for students and professional development for teachers, paraprofessionals, school librarians, media personnel, specialized instructional support staff, and administrators.
Fine said the measure is intended to give state and local education leaders more flexibility to prepare students for an AI-driven economy without creating new federal programs.
The bill would apply to both state and local allowable uses under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, according to the legislation text. State-level provisions would add AI instruction and educator training as permissible uses, while local provisions would do the same for school districts.
Michael Marn, senior manager for the Computer and Communications Association, said the proposal would help schools adopt AI instruction and train educators.
“With AI literacy quickly becoming a core workforce skill, students should have the opportunity to learn how to use these tools with confidence so the United States can fully capture the benefits of AI,” Marn said.
“CCIA commends Representative Fine for advancing the K-12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act, which would help schools use existing federal education funds for AI instruction, teacher training, and responsible classroom adoption,” he said.
