In one paragraph
South Carolina's H 5253 would add Section 59-28-195 limiting AI in public schools. Schools would need written opt-in parental consent before requiring or permitting student AI use, AI could not replace a licensed teacher in core instruction or final grading, and student data could not be sold or used for profiling. Introduced February 24, 2026 and referred to the House Education and Public Works Committee; it has not passed either chamber.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None yet: the bill has not been enacted. Public schools and AI vendors serving them would need parental consent, disclosures, teacher review and limits on student data use.
Key provisions
- Sec. 59-28-195(B): written, opt-in parental consent before requiring or permitting student use of AI, plus an annual written disclosure of AI tools, vendors, student data collected and sharing; parents may revoke consent and opted-out students may not be academically penalized.
- (C): AI may not replace a licensed teacher in core instruction or assigning final grades, may not profile students by political or religious beliefs or personal values, and may not make disciplinary or placement decisions without meaningful human review.
- (C): teachers must review and approve AI-generated instructional content before students receive it; schools must keep a public list of approved AI tools.
- (D): student data may not be sold, shared, licensed or used for commercial advertising or profiling; biometric data, including facial recognition, requires case-specific written parental consent.
- (E): students may not use generative AI on graded assignments unless a teacher expressly authorizes it.
- (G): violators may face contractual remedies, administrative penalties or other remedies provided by law, and parents may seek injunctive relief or damages.
- Takes effect upon approval by the Governor. Referred to the House Committee on Education and Public Works on February 24, 2026.
Latest legislative action
Feb 24, 2026. Referred to Committee on Education and Public Works
Sponsors (showing 5 of 176)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| A.M. Morgan | Primary |
| Alexander | Primary |
| Allison | Primary |
| Anderson | Primary |
| Atkinson | Primary |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error