South Carolina HB 5253, introduced in February 2026, establishes comprehensive limitations and safeguards governing the use of artificial intelligence in public schools. The bill requires written parental opt-in consent before schools deploy student-facing AI tools, ensures human and teacher oversight of AI systems, mandates student data protection, provides enforcement mechanisms, and enables remedies for violations.
The bill represents among the strongest state-level guardrails proposed in 2026, requiring annual public disclosure of AI tools used, prohibiting AI from being the sole basis for high-stakes decisions including discipline, special education placement, or major academic outcomes, and preserving teacher and administrator authority over educational decisions. Charleston County School District approved a substantially similar policy in January 2026.
While HB 5253 establishes protective frameworks for AI use in schools, it does not mandate AI literacy curriculum, teacher training, or establish dedicated funding for AI education implementation. Instead, it focuses on responsible use governance and consumer protection for students and families.
Scoring note: Dimension 10 (government body with mandate) scores 1 for establishing legislative oversight framework. Dimension 2 (binding law) scores 1 for proposed binding requirements on districts. Dimension 9 (worker/student rights regarding AI decisions) scores 1 for prohibitions on AI as sole basis for high-stakes decisions.