Understanding AI in the Classroom Act
Latest action (3 Aug 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 10042, the Understanding AI in the Classroom Act, would direct the Director of the National Science Foundation to hold workshops examining gaps in data and research on how artificial intelligence use in classrooms may affect or harm children. The workshops must be completed within 18 months of enactment and would look at potential effects on children's attention span, learning independence, cognitive/social/emotional/behavioral development, over-reliance or misplaced trust in AI, and whether effects differ based on age, vulnerability, or characteristics of the AI itself, such as sycophancy. The Director may involve researchers, educators, school leaders, parent groups, or other relevant participants. Within six months of completing the workshops, the Director must submit a public report on identified research gaps to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee.
The bill primarily affects the National Science Foundation, which would take on new workshop and reporting duties, as well as researchers, educators, school administrators, and parents who may participate. It does not regulate AI products or classroom use directly but focuses on identifying research gaps.
The bill was introduced on August 3, 2026, by Rep. George Whitesides, with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. It has not yet been voted on, and further committee action would be needed before it could advance.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on August 3, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 10042 do?
- H.R. 10042, the Understanding AI in the Classroom Act, would direct the Director of the National Science Foundation to hold workshops examining gaps in data and research on how artificial intelligence use in classrooms may affect or harm children. The workshops must be completed within 18 months of enactment and would look at potential effects on children's attention span, learning independence, cognitive/social/emotional/behavioral development, over-reliance or misplaced trust in AI, and whether effects differ based on age, vulnerability, or characteristics of the AI itself, such as sycophancy. The Director may involve researchers, educators, school leaders, parent groups, or other relevant participants. Within six months of completing the workshops, the Director must submit a public report on identified research gaps to the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. The bill primarily affects the National Science Foundation, which would take on new workshop and reporting duties, as well as researchers, educators, school administrators, and parents who may participate. It does not regulate AI products or classroom use directly but focuses on identifying research gaps. The bill was introduced on August 3, 2026, by Rep. George Whitesides, with two cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. It has not yet been voted on, and further committee action would be needed before it could advance.
- Has H.R. 10042 become law?
- Not yet. As of 3 Aug 2026, H.R. 10042 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 10042?
- H.R. 10042 was sponsored by Rep. George Whitesides [D-CA27] (Democrat-CA), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 10042?
- Introduced (3 Aug 2026).
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