SB 741 criminalizes possessing, distributing, or producing digital tools designed to create material featuring minors in sexual activity (real or simulated, if patently offensive). It classifies violations as Class E (possession), Class C (distribution), or Class B (production) felonies. Courts must consider specific factors like the defendant’s statements, existing material, advertising, and legitimate uses when determining intent. The law, effective July 1, 2025, directly affects individuals who handle such technology, not minors or general users.
HJR 179 is a resolution passed by the Tennessee House of Representatives that recognizes the mental health impacts of social media on K-12 students. It does not create new laws but expresses legislative support for addressing these issues through potential policy actions, such as age restrictions on social media platforms, digital well-being education in schools, and promoting free play opportunities for children. The resolution cites research linking excessive screen time to rising anxiety and depression among youth, while emphasizing the need for community and parental initiatives to foster healthier development.
SB 604 requires pharmacy services organizations (like administrative groups that handle pharmacy data) to destroy any pharmacy cost information they receive within five business days of a written request from the pharmacy that shared it. This applies directly to pharmacies and the organizations they contract with for services. The bill amends Tennessee law to prevent these organizations from retaining or disclosing shared pharmacy data without the original pharmacy's explicit consent for destruction. It creates a clear, time-bound process for pharmacies to control their own shared information.
SB 555 requires healthcare providers, clinics, facilities, and related entities in Tennessee to notify all health insurance companies they work with "as soon as practicable" if they experience a cyber-attack. This applies to any organization that contracts with insurers for patient care billing. The law mandates immediate notification to help insurers protect patient data and maintain billing systems during security incidents. It amends Tennessee health insurance codes (Titles 33, 56, 63, 68, and 71) to implement this requirement. The bill focuses solely on triggering timely communication about cyber incidents, not on preventing attacks or altering insurance coverage.
HB 933 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to create a three-year pilot program (2025-2028) funding AI-powered weapons detection systems for specific schools. It targets school districts that are designated as "priority schools" under state accountability rules or experienced gun violence on school grounds in 2024-2025, excluding the Achievement School District. The program provides grants for purchasing systems capable of detecting weapons like knives and firearms, automatically alerting school staff and law enforcement upon detection. Schools without such systems receive priority, with annual reports required to the legislature on program participation and system deployment.
SB 556 prohibits Tennessee's Public Utility Commission from regulating the entry, rates, terms, or conditions of broadband internet access services or interconnected VoIP services, or treating providers of these services as carriers. It directly affects broadband and VoIP providers by removing state regulatory oversight and the Public Utility Commission by restricting its authority over these services. The bill preserves general consumer protection and fair competition laws while exempting existing tariffed services from 2006. It does not affect federal law, 911 fees, or universal service assessments.
SB 228, the "LESTER Act," requires Tennessee law enforcement to accept digital copies of vehicle registration as valid proof of registration, directly affecting drivers who use digital registration and police officers during traffic stops. It amends Tennessee law to clarify that displaying a digital registration does not grant officers permission to access other contents of a driver's electronic device. The bill also updates terminology from "motor-propelled vehicle" to "motor vehicle" in relevant sections. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
HB 1246 requires Tennessee's Attorney General's office to report on investigations into consumer protection violations (like scams or unfair business practices) where artificial intelligence was used to commit those violations. The report must cover cases from January 2024 through December 2025 and be submitted to specific legislative committee chairs by July 1, 2026. This bill does not change consumer protection laws but mandates data collection on AI's role in enforcement. The report may be submitted electronically, and the bill amends multiple Tennessee Code sections to reflect this requirement.
SB 814 creates a three-year grant pilot program (2025-2026 through 2027-2028) for Tennessee school districts meeting specific criteria. Eligible districts - those identified as priority schools under state accountability rules or experiencing student fatalities from gun violence on campus - can receive grants to purchase AI-powered weapons detection systems that identify knives and firearms and immediately alert law enforcement. The program requires all systems to notify authorities upon detection and mandates annual reporting to the legislature on grant distribution and system coverage. Funds must be fully allocated each year to eligible districts, with unused funds redirected toward other approved security measures if all target schools are covered. The pilot ends July 31, 2028.
HB 511 requires healthcare providers, clinics, facilities, and other entities that contract with health insurance companies for patient care reimbursement to notify those insurers "as soon as practicable" if they experience a cyber-attack. This applies to all Tennessee entities billing insurers for healthcare services, directly affecting providers and insurers. The key provision mandates timely notification to help insurers protect patient data and manage claims during incidents. The bill amends Tennessee insurance and health codes (Titles 33, 56, 63, 68, and 71) to establish this requirement.
