Safeguard Kids Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (14 Jul 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
What this bill does
The Safeguard Kids Act would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to address artificial intelligence, including AI chatbots, within federal K-12 education programs. It adds formal definitions of "artificial intelligence" and "artificial intelligence chatbot" to the law, and updates several existing grant provisions—related to student support and academic enrichment programs—to explicitly allow federal funds to be used for teaching students about the dangers, limitations, and responsible use of AI technologies. It also clarifies that mental health counseling supported under these programs may include counseling for issues arising from students' use of AI chatbots.
The bill primarily affects public elementary and secondary schools, school districts, and state education agencies that receive funding under this part of federal education law. It would give them clearer authority to use existing federal grant funds for AI-related instruction and for counseling related to AI chatbot use, without creating a new mandate or new funding stream. Students would be the ultimate beneficiaries, as schools would be better positioned to teach digital literacy and safety around AI tools.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 14, 2026, by Senator Rick Scott of Florida and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, passage by both the Senate and House, and the President's signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
14 Jul 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Common questions
- What does S. 4958 do?
- The Safeguard Kids Act would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to address artificial intelligence, including AI chatbots, within federal K-12 education programs. It adds formal definitions of "artificial intelligence" and "artificial intelligence chatbot" to the law, and updates several existing grant provisions—related to student support and academic enrichment programs—to explicitly allow federal funds to be used for teaching students about the dangers, limitations, and responsible use of AI technologies. It also clarifies that mental health counseling supported under these programs may include counseling for issues arising from students' use of AI chatbots. The bill primarily affects public elementary and secondary schools, school districts, and state education agencies that receive funding under this part of federal education law. It would give them clearer authority to use existing federal grant funds for AI-related instruction and for counseling related to AI chatbot use, without creating a new mandate or new funding stream. Students would be the ultimate beneficiaries, as schools would be better positioned to teach digital literacy and safety around AI tools. The bill was introduced in the Senate on July 14, 2026, by Senator Rick Scott of Florida and referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee action, passage by both the Senate and House, and the President's signature to become law.
- Has S. 4958 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 4958. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 4958?
- S. 4958 was sponsored by Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL] (R-FL), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 4958?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. (14 Jul 2026).
Related bills in Education
RISE Act
Civic Literacy in Higher Education Act
Expressing support for the recognition of October 2026, as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month".
Campus Accountability and Safety Act of 2026
More bills from Sen. Scott, Rick [R-FL]
Protecting U.S. Investors From Chinese Military Companies Act
SCREEN Act of 2026
Cost Estimates Improvement Act
Subterranean Border Defense Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.