THE BILL ITSELF
SB 1458
Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1458 By Senator Davis 5-00962A-26 20261458__
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A bill to be entitled
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An act relating to artificial intelligence in higher
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education; creating the Artificial Intelligence in
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Higher Education Study Group; providing the purpose,
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membership, and duties of the study group; requiring
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the study group to submit a report by a specified date
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to the Governor and the Legislature; providing for
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expiration; providing an effective date.
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Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida:
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Section 1. Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
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Study Group.—
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(1) CREATION.—There is created the Artificial Intelligence
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in Higher Education Study Group to review and make
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recommendations on the opportunities and risks presented by, and
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best practices for managing, artificial intelligence in academic
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instruction, research, and student conduct within the State
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University System and Florida College System.
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(2) MEMBERSHIP.—The study group shall consist of all of the
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following:
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(a) Faculty members appointed by the presidents of state
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universities and Florida College System institutions,
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representing a mix of disciplines, including humanities,
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sciences, and professional programs.
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(b) Representatives from the Board of Governors and the
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State Board of Education.
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(c) At least one expert in artificial intelligence,
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computer science, or data ethics.
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(d) At least one representative from the Southern Regional
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Education Board.
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(e) A representative from the Division of Florida Colleges
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within the Department of Education.
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(f) One student representative, who must be the student
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member serving on the Board of Governors pursuant to s. 1004.70,
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Florida Statutes, or the student member serving on the State
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Board of Education pursuant to s. 1001.71, Florida Statutes.
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(3) DUTIES.—The study group shall do all of the following:
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(a) Examine the impact of artificial intelligence on
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academic integrity, including plagiarism, contract cheating, and
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verification of student work.
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(b) Review potential applications of artificial
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intelligence in teaching, learning support, advising, grading,
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accessibility, and research.
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(c) Assess implications for privacy, intellectual property,
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and data security when artificial intelligence tools are used by
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faculty and students.
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(d) Consider safeguards to protect academic freedom while
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maintaining clear expectations for student conduct.
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(e) Identify professional development, resource, and
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training needs for faculty and staff to address the responsible
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use of artificial intelligence in the classroom.
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(f) Review national and international best practices in
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higher education regarding artificial intelligence governance
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and adoption.
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(g) Recommend model policies for institutions to adopt
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regarding the ethical and effective use of artificial
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intelligence.
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(4) STAKEHOLDER INPUT.—The study group shall solicit input
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from faculty senates, student governments, accrediting bodies,
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and industry representatives with expertise in artificial
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intelligence and workforce development.
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(5) REPORT.—By December 1, 2026, the study group shall
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submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate,
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and the Speaker of the House of Representatives with findings
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and recommendations, including model policies and any proposed
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legislation.
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(6) EXPIRATION.—This section expires December 31, 2026.
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Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026.