Florida Senate - 2026 SB By Senator Davis 5-00962A-26 20261458__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions. A bill to be entitled

An act relating to artificial intelligence in higher education; creating the Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Study Group; providing the purpose, 4 membership, and duties of the study group; requiring the study group to submit a report by a specified date to the Governor and the Legislature; providing for expiration; providing an effective date. 8

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Florida: 10

Section 1. Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Study Group.— 13

(1) CREATION.—There is created the Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education Study Group to review and make recommendations on the opportunities and risks presented by, and best practices for managing, artificial intelligence in academic instruction, research, and student conduct within the State University System and Florida College System. 19

(2) MEMBERSHIP.—The study group shall consist of all of the following: 21

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a) Faculty members appointed by the presidents of state universities and Florida College System institutions, 23 representing a mix of disciplines, including humanities, 24 sciences, and professional programs. 25

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b) Representatives from the Board of Governors and the State Board of Education. 27

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c) At least one expert in artificial intelligence, 28 computer science, or data ethics. 29 Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1458 5-00962A-26 20261458__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.

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d) At least one representative from the Southern Regional Education Board. 31

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e) A representative from the Division of Florida Colleges within the Department of Education. 33

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f) One student representative, who must be the student member serving on the Board of Governors pursuant to s. 1004.70, 35 Florida Statutes, or the student member serving on the State Board of Education pursuant to s. 1001.71, Florida Statutes. 37

(3) DUTIES.—The study group shall do all of the following: 38

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a) Examine the impact of artificial intelligence on academic integrity, including plagiarism, contract cheating, and verification of student work. 41

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b) Review potential applications of artificial intelligence in teaching, learning support, advising, grading, 43 accessibility, and research. 44

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c) Assess implications for privacy, intellectual property, 45 and data security when artificial intelligence tools are used by faculty and students. 47

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d) Consider safeguards to protect academic freedom while maintaining clear expectations for student conduct. 49

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e) Identify professional development, resource, and training needs for faculty and staff to address the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. 52

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f) Review national and international best practices in higher education regarding artificial intelligence governance and adoption. 55

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g) Recommend model policies for institutions to adopt regarding the ethical and effective use of artificial intelligence. 58 Florida Senate - 2026 SB 1458 5-00962A-26 20261458__ CODING: Words stricken are deletions; words underlined are additions.

(4) STAKEHOLDER INPUT.—The study group shall solicit input from faculty senates, student governments, accrediting bodies, 60 and industry representatives with expertise in artificial intelligence and workforce development. 62

(5) REPORT.—By December 1, 2026, the study group shall submit a report to the Governor, the President of the Senate, 64 and the Speaker of the House of Representatives with findings and recommendations, including model policies and any proposed legislation. 67

(6) EXPIRATION.—This

section expires December 31, 2026. 68

Section 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2026. 69