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AI Summary
The bill mandates professional development courses on AI for teachers in grades 6-12, to be completed by August 1, 2027, or within two years of licensure.
Business Impact
If you employ teachers for grades 6-12 in Tennessee, they must complete AI training by August 1, 2027, or face potential licensing issues.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
HB 545 aims to enhance the integration of artificial intelligence in Tennessee classrooms by requiring teachers to undergo training. This initiative targets educators in grades 6-12, ensuring they are equipped to utilize AI effectively. The bill sets a compliance deadline of August 1, 2027, or within two years of licensure for new teachers.
Key Provisions
- Requires the Department of Education to offer AI professional development courses for teachers.
- Courses must be available at no cost to teachers in grades 6-12.
- Teachers must complete at least one AI course by August 1, 2027, or within two years of licensure.
Latest Legislative Action
Sponsor(s) Added.
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| G.A. Hardaway D | Sponsor | HD-093 |
| Mark Cochran R | Sponsor | HD-023 |
| Scott Cepicky R | Sponsor | HD-064 |
Roll Call Votes (showing 3 of 4)
H ·
HOUSE FINANCE, WAYS, AND MEANS COMMITTEE: Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Calendar & Rules Committee ·
Apr 7, 2026
28 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
H ·
HOUSE FINANCE, WAYS, AND MEANS SUBCOMMITTEE: Rec for pass if am by s/c ref. to Finance, Ways, and Means Committee ·
Apr 1, 2026
11 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
H ·
HOUSE EDUCATION COMMITTEE: Rec. for pass; ref to Finance, Ways, and Means Committee ·
Mar 25, 2025
17 Yea
0 Nay
1 Other
Passed ✓
Amendments (2)
SA0837
Pending
2026-03-24
HA1067
Pending
2026-04-07
Compliance Checklist
Complete at least one department-approved AI professional development course
Who: Teachers in grades 6-12
Deadline: By August 1, 2027, or within two years of becoming licensed
Penalty: Potential impact on teaching license status
Who: Teachers in grades 6-12
Deadline: By August 1, 2027, or within two years of becoming licensed
Penalty: Potential impact on teaching license status
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
HB 545 introduces a requirement for the Tennessee Department of Education to provide at least one professional development course focused on the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. This course must be available at no cost to teachers in grades 6-12. Furthermore, the bill mandates that all teachers in this grade range complete at least one department-approved course on AI by August 1, 2027, or within two years of obtaining their teaching license, whichever date is later. The bill does not specify penalties for non-compliance. This legislation reflects a growing trend in education to incorporate technology and AI into teaching practices, similar to initiatives seen in other states aiming to prepare educators for a technology-driven future.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View HB 545 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
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