K–12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act of 2026

S. 5225, the K-12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act of 2026, would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to add artificial intelligence instruction and training as an explicitly permitted use of certain federal education funds. It updates the lists of allowable activities at both the state and local level so that districts and states may spend eligible grant money on teaching students to use AI safely, effectively, and responsibly, and on training teachers, paraprofessionals, librarians, support staff, and administrators to do the same, including through professional development. The bill defines "artificial intelligence" by reference to the existing definition in the National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Act of 2020.

The bill affects K-12 public schools, their staff, and students nationwide by expanding what state and local education agencies may fund under these ESEA provisions; it does not create a new grant program or additional appropriation, but rather broadens permissible uses within existing funding streams. It does not mandate that any school teach AI or spend funds this way — it simply makes such spending allowable.

The bill was introduced in the Senate on August 4, 2026, by Sen. Tim Sheehy with three cosponsors, and has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It would need to be approved by that committee, pass both the Senate and House, and be signed by the President before becoming law; no further action has occurred yet.

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