Tennessee is emerging as an active state on AI regulation with 6 AI-related bills introduced in the 2025–2026 legislative session. The proposals range from criminal penalties for AI-enabled suicide encouragement to healthcare AI regulation and consumer protection measures targeting harmful AI chatbots.
Current Data
Currently tracking 6 AI-specific bills in Tennessee. Data updates automatically.
Key Bills at a Glance
| Bill | Short Title | Status | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| HB 1455 | AI Training Criminal Penalties | Introduced | Class A felony for training AI to encourage suicide or homicide |
| SB 1815 | Coercive AI Suicide Offense | In Committee | Criminal offense for AI systems that encourage self-harm |
| HB 1866 / SB 1261 | Regulate AI in Health Care Act | Introduced | AI requirements for health insurance utilization review |
| HB 1946 / SB 1700 | CHAT Act | Introduced | Curbing Harmful AI Technology targeting minors |
AI Criminal Liability: HB 1455 and SB 1815
Tennessee has taken an unusually aggressive approach to AI safety through criminal law. HB 1455 would create a Class A felony—the most serious felony classification in Tennessee, carrying 15 to 60 years in prison—for knowingly training an artificial intelligence system to encourage suicide or criminal homicide, or to act in other specifically dangerous manners.
A companion bill, SB 1815, establishes a distinct criminal offense of “coercive suicide” targeting AI system owners whose systems encourage self-harm. This bill has advanced to committee review, making it the furthest along of Tennessee’s AI proposals.
Who Should Pay Attention
- AI chatbot developers and operators serving Tennessee residents
- Social media platforms with AI-powered recommendation systems
- Companies offering AI mental health or companion tools
The CHAT Act: HB 1946 / SB 1700
The Curbing Harmful AI Technology (CHAT) Act targets AI systems that interact with minors. Filed as companion bills HB 1946 and SB 1700, this legislation would amend Tennessee Code Titles 29, 37, and 47 to establish consumer protections and safeguards for children interacting with AI systems.
The CHAT Act reflects growing national concern about AI chatbot interactions with minors, following incidents in other states where AI companion apps were linked to harmful outcomes for young users.
Healthcare AI Regulation: HB 1866 / SB 1261
The Regulate Artificial Intelligence in Health Care Act (HB 1866 / SB 1261) would impose requirements on health insurance issuers using AI, algorithms, or other software for utilization review or utilization management decisions. This bill targets the growing use of AI to approve or deny insurance claims—a practice that has drawn scrutiny nationwide.
Key Provisions
- Disclosure requirements for insurers using AI in claims decisions
- Guardrails on AI-driven utilization review processes
- Consumer protections when AI is involved in coverage determinations
Tennessee’s Existing AI-Adjacent Laws
Tennessee already has several laws that affect AI use even though they predate the current AI wave:
- ELVIS Act (2024): Tennessee was the first state to protect artists from unauthorized AI-generated replicas of their voice and likeness, building on its long-standing right-of-publicity protections for the music industry
- Tennessee Information Protection Act (TIPA): Enacted in 2023 and effective July 1, 2025, TIPA gives consumers rights over personal data and requires data protection assessments for targeted advertising—directly relevant to AI-powered ad targeting
- Deepfake laws: Tennessee has criminal penalties for certain uses of deepfake technology, particularly in election and non-consensual intimate image contexts
Cross-State Compliance Obligations
Tennessee businesses serving customers in other states must also comply with those states’ AI regulations:
- Colorado AI Act (SB 205): Impact assessments required for high-risk AI systems affecting Colorado residents. See our Colorado AI Act compliance guide.
- Illinois AIVII: AI video interview notice and consent requirements for Illinois applicants. See our Illinois AI laws guide.
- California AI laws: Multiple disclosure and transparency laws for California customers. See our California AI laws guide.
Compliance Checklist for Tennessee Businesses
- Audit AI interactions with minors — if your AI systems interact with users under 18, prepare for CHAT Act requirements
- Review AI claims processing — health insurers should document AI use in utilization review ahead of potential new rules
- Comply with TIPA — ensure AI systems processing Tennessee consumer data meet data protection requirements effective July 1, 2025
- Check ELVIS Act compliance — if your AI generates voice or likeness content, ensure you have proper authorization
- Map multi-state obligations — identify which other states’ AI laws apply to your operations
For a complete index of Tennessee AI legislation, visit our Tennessee AI laws page.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for guidance specific to your situation.
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