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AI Summary
The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Titles 29, 33, 39, and 47, establishing a Class A felony for knowingly training AI to encourage suicide or criminal homicide.
Business Impact
If you develop AI systems in Tennessee, you must ensure they do not promote harmful behaviors or face felony 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
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
Tennessee's SB1493 introduces significant legal implications by criminalizing the knowing training of AI to encourage suicide or criminal homicide. This legislation targets AI simulating human traits or forming emotional connections in this harmful context.
Key Provisions
- Amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Titles 29, 33, 39, and 47.
- Establishes a Class A felony for knowingly training AI to promote suicide or criminal homicide.
- Criminalizes AI that simulates human characteristics or emotional connections in the context of encouraging harmful acts.
- Targets AI systems simulating human beings in appearance, voice, or mannerisms, or developing emotional relationships in this harmful context.
Latest Legislative Action
Signed by Governor.
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Becky Massey R | Sponsor | SD-006 |
| Ken Yager R | Sponsor | SD-012 |
Roll Call Votes (showing 3 of 7)
H ·
Floor Vote: VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR MOTION TO ADOPT AMENDMENT # 4 BY ZACHARY PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION ·
Apr 23, 2026
89 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
H ·
Floor Vote: VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR AS AMENDED PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION ·
Apr 23, 2026
88 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
H ·
Floor Vote: VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR MOTION TO CONSIDER AMENDMENT # 4 BY ZACHARY PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION ·
Apr 23, 2026
81 Yea
7 Nay
Passed ✓
Amendments (3)
SA0915
Pending
2026-03-30
SA1070
Pending
2026-04-20
SA1113
Pending
2026-04-23
Compliance Checklist
Review AI training protocols to ensure compliance with the new felony provisions.
Who: AI developers and organizations using AI systems.
Penalty: Felony charges for non-compliance.
Who: AI developers and organizations using AI systems.
Penalty: Felony charges for non-compliance.
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
SB1493 amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Titles 29, 33, 39, and 47, creating a Class A felony offense for knowingly training artificial intelligence to encourage acts such as suicide or criminal homicide. The bill specifically targets AI systems that simulate human beings in appearance, voice, or other mannerisms, and those that develop an emotional relationship with an individual, in the context of encouraging harmful acts. This could have profound implications for AI developers and users. Compliance will require businesses to evaluate their AI training processes to ensure they do not inadvertently promote harmful behaviors. The penalties for non-compliance are severe, as the offense is classified as a felony, which could lead to significant legal repercussions. This legislation aligns with growing concerns about the ethical implications of AI and its potential to influence human behavior negatively.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View SB1493 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
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