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AI Summary
This bill creates the offense of coercive suicide, targeting AI systems that encourage individuals to commit suicide. The analysis is limited due to the absence of the full bill text.
Business Impact
If you own an AI system in Tennessee, you must ensure it does not advise or encourage suicide or face criminal charges.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
What This Means
HB 1951 introduces a new criminal offense related to artificial intelligence, specifically targeting systems that may encourage suicidal behavior. The analysis is based solely on the official description and may not capture all elements of the bill.
Key Provisions
- Creates a new offense of coercive suicide.
- Specifies that encouragement of suicide by AI constitutes a criminal offense. The analysis cannot determine specific applications or limitations without the full bill text.
Latest Legislative Action
Sponsor(s) Added.
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 24)
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Freeman D | Sponsor | HD-056 |
| Bryan Terry R | Sponsor | HD-048 |
| Clay Doggett R | Sponsor | HD-070 |
| Dan Howell R | Sponsor | HD-022 |
| David Hawk R | Sponsor | HD-005 |
Roll Call Votes (showing 3 of 4)
H ·
HOUSE FINANCE, WAYS, AND MEANS COMMITTEE: Rec. for pass; ref to Finance, Ways, and Means Committee ·
Apr 17, 2026
26 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
H ·
HOUSE FINANCE, WAYS, AND MEANS SUBCOMMITTEE: Rec. for pass by s/c ref. to Finance, Ways, and Means Committee ·
Apr 17, 2026
13 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
H ·
HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE: Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Finance, Ways, and Means Committee ·
Feb 18, 2026
22 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
Amendments (2)
HA0572
Pending
2026-02-18
HA1218
Pending
2026-04-20
Compliance Checklist
Ensure AI systems do not advise or encourage suicide
Who: Owners of artificial intelligence systems
Penalty: Potential criminal charges
Who: Owners of artificial intelligence systems
Penalty: Potential criminal charges
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
HB 1951 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39, to establish the offense of coercive suicide. Under this bill, a person or entity that owns an artificial intelligence system can be charged if that system advises or encourages an individual to commit or attempt suicide. The analysis is based on the official description, and the full bill text is not available, which limits the analysis of penalties, exceptions, or defenses. It is unclear if there are distinctions between individuals and entities in terms of liability without the full bill text. This legislation focuses on the specific issue of AI systems and their potential impact on mental health.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View HB 1951 on official legislature website →
Affected Industries
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