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TASER approves work program and seven studies including two on artificial intelligence
Summary
The Tennessee Advisory Commission approved its amended work program and seven legislatively-directed studies — including two focused on artificial intelligence, a study of emergency communications, and an inquiry into school-administered early childhood programs — in a voice vote on June 22.
The Tennessee Advisory Commission on State Economic Research (TASER) voted June 22 to approve its amended work program and seven studies directed by 2026 public chapters, moving a slate of research projects into the commission’s 2026–27 schedule.
Deputy Executive Director Melissa Brown presented the amendment and the accompanying draft research plans, saying the studies include an emergency communication system review (Public Chapter 1103, due Jan. 31, 2027), a look at state and local law-enforcement compensation (PC 1121, due Jan. 31, 2027), two artificial intelligence projects (PC 1066 and PC 1082, both due Jan. 31, 2027), a study of school‑administered early childhood education programs (PC 976, due Sept. 1, 2027), a public‑notice study (PC 1137, no due date specified), and an examination of Crime Stoppers programs (PC 967, no due date).
Brown told commissioners the staff plans to build on prior work and to coordinate with existing entities to avoid duplicating effort. On the two AI studies, members urged coordination with the state’s Artificial Intelligence Council and with one another to ensure the studies “build on what’s already been done,” not replicate it.
After members’ questions about scope — including requests to examine how 911 dispatch fees are allocated and how written public comment would be incorporated into the public‑notice study — County Executive Jeff Huffman moved approval and Mayor Frank seconded. The commission approved the amendment by voice vote (ayes recorded; no roll‑call tally in the transcript).
Why it matters: The approved studies respond to public chapters enacted during the 2026 legislative session and direct staff to study topics tied to public safety, technology, education and local government finance. The work program and subsequent reports will inform the commission’s biennial report and give lawmakers and local officials research to guide policy choices.
What’s next: Staff will develop the draft research products, coordinate with stakeholders and other state entities where relevant, and meet statutory deadlines spelled out in the enabling public chapters. Brown said study teams have begun outreach for background materials and stakeholder interviews.
