The K–12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act of 2026 is a proposed law that aims to prepare students and educators for a future where artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role. It allows schools to use existing federal funds to teach students how to use AI safely and responsibly. Additionally, it provides training for teachers, librarians, and school administrators to effectively incorporate AI into their teaching. The goal is to ensure that students are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in an AI-driven world.
Supporters of the bill, including Congressman Fine, emphasize that it modernizes education without requiring new spending by allowing existing federal funds to be used for AI instruction and teacher training. They argue that this approach will help students become competitive in a rapidly evolving job market influenced by AI technologies. The bill has been advanced by the House Education and Workforce Committee, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of AI literacy in education.
Critics express concerns that the bill may not provide sufficient resources for schools, particularly those in low-income areas, to effectively implement AI education programs. They worry that without additional funding, the quality and accessibility of AI instruction could vary significantly between districts, potentially exacerbating existing educational inequalities.
The K–12 AI Literacy and Readiness Act of 2026, sponsored by Randall Fine, does not show any direct industry overlaps with the sponsor's top donor industries, indicating a low risk of conflicts of interest. The lobbying activities related to this bill primarily involve organizations that do not have a clear financial stake in K-12 education or AI literacy, such as healthcare and refrigerant associations. The largest disclosed lobbying amount comes from the Marshfield Clinic Health System at $60,000, which does not directly relate to the bill's focus on AI in education. Overall, the absence of overlapping donor industries and the nature of the lobbying activities suggest that the bill is unlikely to be influenced by the interests of the sponsor's donors.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| NATIONAL ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION | NATIONAL ASPHALT PAVEMENT ASSOCIATION | $150,000 |
| MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM | MARSHFIELD CLINIC HEALTH SYSTEM | $60,000 |
| SOUTHERN IONICS | KEY IMPACT STRATEGIES | $30,000 |
| COALITION FOR THE USE OF SAFE AND EFFICIENT REFRIGERANTS | WILLIAMSON LAW + POLICY PLLC | $20,000 |
| NATIONAL CONSUMER REPORTING ASSOCIATION | NATIONAL CONSUMER REPORTING ASSOCIATION | $5,000 |
| HEALING LODGE OF THE SEVEN NATIONS | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| PUEBLO OF SANTA ANA | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| TIGERSWAN | ALPHA STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| LWRC INTERNATIONAL, LLC | ALPHA STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
| NATIVE VILLAGE OF EYAK | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION | HEALTHCARE FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION | undisclosed |
| RMS OF GEORGIA, LLC D/B/A CHOICE REFRIGERANTS | WILLIAMSON LAW + POLICY PLLC | undisclosed |
| BRISTOL BAY AREA HEALTH CORP | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| COUNCIL OF ATHABASCAN TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
| ALEUTIAN PRIBILOF ISLANDS ASSOCIATION | HOBBS, STRAUS, DEAN & WALKER, LLP | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
