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The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
As this year’s state legislative session continues, the House K-12 Subcommittee has been scheduled to discuss legislation that would impact the safety and security of K-12 schools across the state, as well as the educational integrity of those schools.
The following bills are scheduled to be heard on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024:
Enabling Law Enforcement Agencies to Assign SRO’s to Schools that Fail to Request One
House Bill 1664 (HB1664), sponsored by Rep. Todd Warner (R-Chapel Hill-District 92), as introduced, aims to create safer school environments by changing current law to enable law enforcement agencies in Tennessee to assign school resource officers (SRO’s) to schools who have not already requested one.
This bill would also authorize the appointed SRO’s to carry a weapon on school grounds without express written authorization from the director of schools or the assigned school’s principal.
The corresponding Senate Bill, SB1715, is being sponsored by Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald-District 28).
Read more about this legislation HERE.
Requiring K-12 School Districts to Adopt Rules Governing the Use of AI
House Bill 1630 (HB1630), sponsored by Rep. Scott Cepicky (R-Culleoka-District 64), as introduced would require K-12 schools and public institutions of higher education to establish a policy regarding the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
As “new and improved” AI technology continues to be released to the general public, Rep. Cepicky feels that guidelines for AI usage for classroom and homework purposes should be put into place as soon as possible.
The corresponding Senate Bill, SB1711, is being sponsored by Sen. Joey Hensley.
Read more about this legislation HERE.
To voice your support or opposition to the bills summarized above, use the information below to contact the House K-12 Subcommittee members prior to their scheduled meeting on Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024.
Kirk Haston (R-Chair) – rep.kirk.haston@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-0750
Gino Bulso (R) – rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-6808
Chris Hurt (R) – rep.chris.hurt@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2134
Bryan Richey (R) – rep.bryan.richey@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3560
William Slater (R) – rep.william.slater@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-2534
Robert Stevens (R) – rep.robert.stevens@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-3830
Todd Warner (R) – rep.todd.warner@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4170
Mark White (R) – rep.mark.white@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-4415
Sam McKenzie (D) – rep.sam.mckenzie@capitol.tn.gov – (615) 741-0768
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee.
You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.