Tennessee Legislators Pass Required AI Policies For Public Schools

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The Tennessee Conservative Staff –

Both the Tennessee House and Senate have voted in favor of legislation that requires public schools and universities in the state to establish policies for the use of artificial intelligence (AI).

State Senator Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28) presented Senate Bill 1711 (SB1711). 

An amendment was brought by Senator John Lundberg (R-Bristol-District 4). The amendment defines “artificial intelligence” and also requires K-12 and higher education institutions to “develop, institute, and publish a policy for instruction and assessment purposes by faculty, staff, and students.”

After the amendment was passed, Senator London Lamar (D-Memphis-District 33) asked if Tennessee has adopted a policy for AI use by state agencies and employees.

Hensley responded that he was not aware of one, to which Lamar replied that the state needed to set the example and adopt a policy for state level before asking schools to do so.

Hensley noted that this bill simply acknowledged the importance of AI and its potential for misuse in an educational setting. 

A roll call vote was taken, and the bill passed with 31 ayes and only Lamar voting against the bill.

In the House, it was decided that they would substitute House Bill 1630 (HB1630) with the Senate bill. 

The bill passed with 93 ayes and one representative present but not voting.