RIDGEWOOD, N.J. (Bergen County) — U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer on Friday unveiled a bipartisan proposal aimed at expanding artificial intelligence education and teacher training in K-12 schools while also calling for limits on cellphone use in classrooms and expanded broadband access.
Speaking at George Washington Middle School in Ridgewood, Gottheimer, D-N.J., announced the bipartisan AI LABS Act, co-led by Rep. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif. Gottheimer has previously introduced other bipartisan legislation addressing AI and workforce training.
The AI LABS Act would direct the U.S. Department of Education to create a federal grant program or make funding available through existing grant programs to help K-12 schools establish dedicated AI labs and train teachers to use and understand the technology.
The labs would provide students with hands-on instruction on the use and understanding of AI, similar to computer and typing labs established in schools in previous decades. The legislation would also direct the Education Department to study how the resources are distributed and used and make recommendations for future investments.
“There is a reason why AI companies are now hiring college students with philosophy and history degrees, not just those with computer science degrees. They want people who can think critically. The trades also want young people who know how to use AI on the shop floor and in building and manufacturing. That means learning how to use AI, how to question it, and how to know when to – and not to – trust it,” said Congressman Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). “AI can be a powerful tool, but it can never replace the fundamentals. Give our schools the tools. Give our teachers the training. And give our children a real head start, instead of a false choice between banning technology outright and drowning in it.”
As part of his broader back-to-school agenda, Gottheimer said he is urging Gov. Mikie Sherrill and New Jersey Education Commissioner Lily Laux to maintain support for the state’s Phone-Free Schools Grant Program. According to Gottheimer’s office, public school districts in Bergen, Passaic and Sussex counties, including 11 in the 5th Congressional District, received grants to implement bell-to-bell restrictions on cellphone use this school year.
Gottheimer is also supporting the bipartisan UNPLUGGED Act, sponsored by Reps. Eugene Vindman, D-Va., and Jen Kiggans, R-Va. The proposal would support state and local policies restricting personal electronic devices in classrooms and establish an Education Department grant program to help schools purchase secure storage boxes and pouches. The proposal includes exceptions for certain students with medical needs, disabilities and English learners.
Gottheimer is also calling on New Jersey to dedicate resources to incorporating AI literacy, ethics and practical skills into K-12 curricula while limiting screen time.
As part of the initiative, Gottheimer said he is sending a letter to the Federal Communications Commission and National Telecommunications and Information Administration urging the agencies to prioritize broadband deployment in rural and underserved school districts.
The congressman said the effort is intended to ensure students have access to AI-related educational opportunities regardless of where they live or their schools’ level of connectivity.
