House Bill 545, also known as Senate Bill 677, amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 49, by introducing a new requirement for professional development courses focused on artificial intelligence for teachers in grades six through twelve (6-12). The bill mandates that the department provide at least one asynchronous professional development course at no cost to teachers, which can be used to earn professional development points. The course content must be developed by an entity experienced in relevant fields such as computer science or other STEM disciplines.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that by August 1, 2027, or within two years of obtaining a teaching license, teachers in the specified grades must complete at least one department-approved professional development course on artificial intelligence. Local education agencies (LEAs) and public charter schools are required to approve the professional development points in accordance with the state board of education's policies. This legislation aims to enhance teachers' understanding and integration of artificial intelligence in the classroom, thereby improving educational outcomes.