House Committee Passes Bill Requiring AI Policies For Tennessee Public Schools

Image: Rep. Scott Cepicky Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov

The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

The House Government Operations Committee moved forward with legislation that would require Tennessee’s public schools and universities to create policies for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in schools.

Representative Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka-District 64) presented House Bill 1630 (HB1630) which would require all state universities, as well as local public school districts and public charter schools, to adopt a policy regarding the use of AI by students, teachers, faculty, and staff for instructional and assignment purposes.

If passed, the bill would mandate that K-12 schools have rules in place by the start of the ’24-’25 school year. Universities must develop a plan by July 2025.

When the floor was opened for questions, Representative Yusuf Hakeem (D-Chattanooga-District 28) asked if there was a penalty attached to the bill and wondered how the law would be policed.

Cepicky responded that school districts were required to submit those plans to the chairs of both the House and Senate Government Operations Committees. Any who do not submit those within 60 days of the July 1 deadline will be required to appear before the Joint Government Operation Committees and answer for why they have failed to do so.

He also noted that a new plan would be required each school year to account for the ever-changing world of artificial intelligence.

With no other questions from the committee, Chairman John D. Ragan (R-Oak Ridge-District 33) called for a voice vote and ayes prevailed. HB1630 will be referred to the Calendar and Rules Committee for scheduling to be heard on the House floor.

The Senate version of the bill (SB1711), sponsored by Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28) is scheduled to be considered by the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, February 14.