Deepfakes, Data, and Discipline: Ohio sets new AI Rules for schools
Ohio schools now have a regulatory roadmap for the AI age. The state’s new model policy sets clear standards for privacy, bullying, and cheating ahead of a mandatory July 2026 deadline. It’s a critical step to standardize how districts handle the tech transforming the economy.
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW) has released its first statewide model policy for artificial intelligence in education, offering districts a ready-made framework for using AI in classrooms while meeting new legal requirements.
Why it matters: A new legal countdown
Under House Bill 96, every traditional public district, community school, and STEM school in Ohio must have a formal AI policy in place by July 1, 2026. The new model policy gives school boards a plug-and-play starting point they can adopt as written or customize, shifting AI from abstract debate to concrete implementation at the district level.
The economic imperative
State officials are positioning AI policy not just as an academic issue, but as a foundation for Ohio’s future workforce. The model policy encourages schools to use AI tools to enhance instruction and expand learning opportunities, while also insisting on responsible use that preserves academic integrity, protects student data, and prepares students for a technology-driven economy.
“Ohio’s AI in Education Model Policy demonstrates our commitment to preparing students to succeed in a technology-driven world that is increasingly being shaped by AI,” said DEW Director Stephen D. Dackin.
By the numbers: A timeline of Ohio’s AI push
- Summer 2023: Then–Lt. Governor, now U.S. Senator, Jon Husted kicks off a statewide conversation on AI in education through public forums in cities such as Cleveland and Cincinnati, gathering early feedback from educators and technology leaders.
- February 2024: The state launches an Ohio AI Toolkit with InnovateOhio and the AI Education Project (aiEDU), giving schools and families early guidance and resources to start local AI planning.
- November 2024: Ohio’s AI in Education Coalition releases a comprehensive strategy outlining recommendations for district AI workgroups, local policy development, and professional learning for educators.
- December 30, 2025: DEW publishes the AI in Education Model Policy, providing a statewide template that districts can adopt or adapt to their own needs.
- July 1, 2026: Deadline for all traditional public, community, and STEM schools in Ohio to have an AI policy in place, as required by House Bill 96.
The coalition behind the curriculum
The policy’s framework is the product of an aggressive collaboration between the public sector and private industry. Developed in concert with Ohio's AI in Education Coalition, the initiative drew heavily on input from the state's most influential business and advocacy groups.
Some select architects and advisors included:
- Industry Advocates: OhioX and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, representing the state's technology and business interests.
- Corporate Giants: Technology leaders from companies including Nationwide, KeyBank, and Kroger, provided insight into the skills the private sector will demand from future graduates.
- Education Policy Groups: Ohio Excels, a non-partisan coalition of business leaders focused on improving education performance.
This public-private partnership underscores the business community's stake in how schools manage generative AI.
Policy guardrails
The model policy offers a turnkey solution for districts that lack the resources to draft regulations from scratch. It establishes strict standards in three primary areas:
- Academic Integrity: Defining the boundary between AI-assisted learning and plagiarism.
- Procurement & Privacy: Setting vetting standards for third-party AI tools to protect student data, aligning with federal privacy statutes.
- Anti-Bullying: Updating harassment policies to address new threats, such as deepfakes or AI-generated harassment.
Ohio's national leadership spotlight
Ohio’s proactive stance has drawn federal attention. Dr. Chris Woolard, DEW's Chief Integration Officer, recently briefed the White House Artificial Intelligence Education Task Force on the state’s strategy. While many states are taking a wait-and-see approach, Ohio is positioning itself as a first-mover, attempting to create a stable regulatory environment that encourages innovation while mitigating risk.
What’s next
School boards have until July 1, 2026, to ratify their policies. Districts are free to customize the DEW model, but the state expects broad adoption of the core standards, ensuring a consistent baseline for AI governance across Ohio's education system.
