House Bill 545, sponsored by Cochran, amends Tennessee Code Annotated to enhance the professional development of teachers in grades six through twelve regarding the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. The bill mandates that the department provide at least one professional development course that offers asynchronous instruction on this topic at no cost to teachers. The course content must be developed by an experienced entity in relevant fields such as computer science or other STEM disciplines.

Additionally, the bill requires that by August 1, 2027, or within two years of obtaining a teaching license, teachers in grades six through twelve must complete at least one department-approved professional development course on artificial intelligence. Local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools are tasked with approving professional development points for teachers who complete this training, in accordance with the state board of education's policies. This initiative aims to ensure that educators are equipped with the necessary skills to integrate artificial intelligence into their teaching practices effectively.