Ohio requires all K-12 schools to create AI policies by 2026 but is down on phones in class

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 96 into law this week, requiring all K-12 school districts to create artificial intelligence usage policies by July 1, 2026, and implement cellphone restrictions starting in January. The legislation also establishes a $100,000 grant program for community colleges to integrate AI into their programs, marking a comprehensive effort to modernize education while addressing digital distractions in classrooms.

What you should know: The new law creates a two-step process for AI policy development in Ohio schools.

• By December 31, 2025, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce must release a model AI policy addressing how students and staff can use AI appropriately for educational purposes.
• School districts then have until July 1, 2026, to adopt either the state’s model policy or create their own aligned version.
• The law doesn’t mandate AI instruction but requires districts to determine how AI can be used responsibly in their schools.

Cellphone restrictions: Starting in January, all Ohio school districts must implement policies prohibiting student cellphone use during school hours with limited exceptions.

• Students can use phones for educational purposes deemed appropriate by the district.
• Exceptions are allowed for needs outlined in individualized education programs or physician’s notes.
• According to Ballotpedia, a political reference website, 32 states including New York, Florida, and Alabama already have laws or executive orders restricting cellphone use in schools.

Career and technical education expansion: The legislation makes career and technical education (CTE) a statewide requirement for grades 7-12.

• All school districts must provide access to CTE programs reaching at least 2,250 students in the district.
• Districts can operate their own CTE programs or partner with other districts or vocational schools to meet requirements.
• The law allows flexibility in program design and exceptions for sparsely populated areas.

Higher education changes: Community colleges and universities face new requirements to modernize their curricula.

• Higher education institutions must review their general education curriculum by December 31, 2026, with changes to consider by March 2027.
• The review must include civics, AI, STEM, and workforce readiness components.
• Five $100,000 grants will be available annually to community colleges for AI integration, supporting credential programs, faculty training, student certifications, and technology purchases.

Early adoption examples: Some Ohio districts have already begun implementing AI policies independently.

• Worthington City Schools adopted a policy in February leaving AI use up to teachers’ discretion.
• Upper Arlington Schools added handbook language stating “Students are required to rely on their own knowledge, skills, and resources when completing school work” and can only use AI with express permission.
• Ohio State University updated its curriculum in June to promote AI fluency.

What they’re saying: Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel emphasized the workforce development focus behind these initiatives.

• “As Ohio continues to attract more jobs, it’s important that the state continues to invest in our workforce,” he said in a public statement.
• “The budget Gov. DeWine signed today does just that and much, much more. It enhances support for career-technical education, job training, and apprenticeship programs tailored to Ohio’s industries.”

The big picture: Ohio’s comprehensive approach addresses both the opportunities and challenges of educational technology, balancing AI integration with concerns about digital distractions while strengthening career preparation programs to meet economic demands.