California Launches AI Education Program for State Lawmakers
The California Council on Science and Technology (CCST) has introduced the CCST Legislative Academy on AI, an educational initiative aimed at supporting state legislators and their staff in understanding artificial intelligence and related policy issues.
As AI policy varies across states, clear guidance at the state level is critical for those involved in government work. While the federal government has recently challenged states’ ability to enact their own AI regulations, there remains bipartisan support for states to have a meaningful role in AI policymaking.
Why California Is Leading on AI Legislation
California is actively pursuing AI-related laws, with over 50 bills proposed for the 2025 legislative session alone. Since 2024, more than 100 AI-focused bills have been introduced statewide. This legislative activity highlights the need for accessible, evidence-based resources to inform policy decisions.
Established by the state Legislature in 1988, CCST has a long history of advising policymakers. The surge in AI developments and the volume of legislative proposals prompted CCST to develop specialized education to help lawmakers keep pace.
What the CCST Legislative Academy on AI Offers
The Academy is the first program of its kind aimed specifically at California legislative staff. It will provide:
- Seminars and policy roundtables covering AI basics, algorithmic bias, workforce impacts, and data privacy
- Lectures and site visits to innovation centers
- Showcases of practical AI use cases
Launching this fall with six events, the program is free for California Legislature members and staff. It is developed in partnership with the Omidyar Network and the Kapor Foundation.
Next Steps for the Academy
Following an initial pilot phase to test different formats, CCST will gather feedback from Senate and Assembly staff to refine the curriculum. A draft curriculum and staff participation guidelines will be presented to legislative leaders by March.
The full program rollout is planned for 2026, featuring an annual curriculum that builds on early efforts and promotes collaboration across sectors.
Broader AI Policy Support
The Legislative Academy is part of CCST’s wider AI Policy Initiative launched in 2024. While this program focuses on the California Legislature, the organization also plans to offer AI education to other government and public audiences.
For California policymakers and staff looking to deepen their AI knowledge, programs like the CCST Legislative Academy provide practical tools to make informed decisions in a complex policy area.
To explore additional AI training resources relevant for government professionals, visit Complete AI Training – Courses by Job.
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