Texas House Bill HB167

Texas 2025 - 89th 1st C.S.

• Filed: 7/22/25

Caption

Relating to the use of artificial intelligence to score constructed responses on assessment instruments administered to public school students.

Impact

The bill is set to take effect at the beginning of the 2026-2027 school year, marking a critical timeframe for the Texas educational agencies to adjust their assessments practices accordingly. By implementing this prohibition, HB167 seeks to ensure that scores on constructed responses are evaluated solely by teachers or educational professionals, maintaining the integrity and reliability of the assessment results. As such, the bill will likely foster a more traditional approach to grading constructed responses, emphasizing critical thinking and personal expression rather than algorithmically generated assessments.

Summary

House Bill 167 aims to regulate the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the educational assessment process within Texas public schools. Specifically, the bill prohibits the use of AI systems to score constructed responses on assessment instruments. This move is part of a broader discussion about the role of technology in education and the importance of human oversight in evaluating students' understanding and capabilities through standardized tests.

Contention

While the intention behind HB167 is to uphold educational standards, the bill does present points of contention among educational stakeholders. Proponents argue that relying on AI for scoring constructed responses could lead to inaccuracies and a lack of personalization in students' assessments, while critics may contend that the bill could hinder the adoption of innovative assessment technologies that could enhance efficiency and potentially improve educational outcomes. The debate hinges on how to balance the advancements in educational technology with the need for accurate, thoughtful evaluations of student work.

Texas Constitutional Statutes Affected

Education Code

• Chapter 39. Public School System Accountability
  • Section: 023