In one paragraph
Tennessee Public Chapter 1082 directs the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to study how the state might regulate AI systems and generative AI chatbots. The study must cover federal law, other states' approaches, constitutional limits, costs to government, economic effects on businesses, developers, schools and consumers, and safeguards for minors and mental health, including suicide prevention, with any recommendations for legislation. Introduced as the Curbing Harmful AI Technology (CHAT) Act regulating companion chatbots, it was rewritten into this study. Signed May 22, 2026; effective immediately.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
No direct obligations: it is a study. Its findings may shape future Tennessee rules for AI chatbots, especially for minors.
Key provisions
- TACIR must study the potential regulation of AI systems and generative AI chatbots in Tennessee
- Covers existing federal law and pending federal regulation, and frameworks adopted or proposed in other states
- Evaluates constitutional issues (free speech, due process, federal preemption, interstate commerce) and the cost to state and local government, including enforcement
- Assesses economic effects on businesses, technology developers, schools and consumers, and reviews safeguards for minors and mental health, including suicide prevention
- TACIR publishes its findings and any recommendations for legislation to the governor, both speakers and the legislative librarian (a Senate amendment removed the January 31, 2027 deadline)
- As introduced, the Curbing Harmful AI Technology (CHAT) Act would have regulated companion chatbots directly; a Senate amendment replaced it with the study
- Passed the Senate 31-0 (April 14) and the House 90-0 (April 21, 2026); signed May 22, 2026; Public Chapter 1082; HB 1946 was its House companion
Latest legislative action
May 27, 2026. Pub. Ch. 1082 (signed by the Governor May 22, 2026)
Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Charlane Oliver D | Sponsor | SD-019 |
| Heidi Campbell D | Sponsor | SD-020 |
| Jeff Yarbro D | Sponsor | SD-021 |
| Raumesh Akbari D | Sponsor | SD-029 |
| Todd Gardenhire R | Sponsor | SD-010 |
Roll call votes (showing 3 of 4)
H Floor Vote: VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION Apr 21, 2026
90 yea0 nayPassed
S Floor Vote: VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration Apr 14, 2026
31 yea0 nayPassed
S SENATE FINANCE, WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 10, Nays 0 PNV 0 Apr 1, 2026
10 yea0 nayPassed
Amendments (2)
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SA0654 Not adopted 2026-03-11
-
SA0965 Not adopted 2026-04-01
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error