SB 1815 creates a new Class D felony offense for AI system owners who permit their systems to advise or encourage suicide when the user has already communicated suicidal intent. Specifically, it targets owners of AI systems (including generative AI like chatbots) that, knowing the user expressed intent to harm themselves, provide suicide-related advice without adequate safeguards. The law applies if the AI owner negligently allowed the system to remain accessible to the user during this high-risk period. This bill directly affects AI developers and companies operating systems in Tennessee, imposing criminal liability for specific AI interactions involving imminent suicide risk. It takes effect July 1, 2026.
HB 1799 modifies Tennessee's comptroller reporting requirements. It deletes two existing reports: one about broadband services in underserved areas and another about the Tennessee Helping Heroes Scholarship Program. The bill also revises the property tax relief program reporting by requiring the comptroller to annually estimate program costs during budget preparation and submit this to the legislature. These changes affect the state comptroller's office and the General Assembly, streamlining certain reporting obligations.
SB 1687 modifies Tennessee's comptroller reporting requirements by removing two existing mandates: reports on broadband services in historically unserved areas and the Tennessee Helping Heroes Scholarship Program. It revises the property tax relief program reporting to require the comptroller to annually estimate program costs and submit this to the legislature during budget planning instead of previous detailed reports. The bill directly affects the comptroller's office, which must adjust its annual reporting process under these changes. This is a procedural adjustment to streamline reporting, not a substantive policy change to programs or services.
HB 1827 requires county or city legislative bodies to approve the location of new quarries or digital asset mining facilities at a public meeting. It mandates 21 days' notice published in local newspapers, posted online, and mailed to residents within 500 yards of the proposed site. The bill defines "digital asset mining facilities" as energy-intensive blockchain operations using over 1 megawatt annually and "quarries" as mineral extraction sites (excluding coal mining). This law applies to all new facilities constructed on or after July 1, 2026.
SB 2053 requires county or city legislative bodies to publicly approve the location of new quarries or digital asset mining facilities (like large-scale cryptocurrency operations using over 1 megawatt of energy) before construction begins. It mandates a 21-day public notice period, including newspaper publication, website posting, and mailings to residents within 500 yards of the proposed site. The bill directly affects local governments (counties/cities), developers seeking to build such facilities, and nearby residents who receive advance notice. It applies to all new projects approved on or after July 1, 2026, and does not change existing facility operations.
SB 1493 creates a Class A felony offense for knowingly training AI systems that encourage suicide, criminal homicide, or develop emotional relationships with users. It specifically prohibits AI chatbots from simulating human appearance/voice, acting as a mental health professional, or prompting users to isolate from family or share sensitive information. The bill directly affects AI developers and companies creating chatbots that meet its definitions, excluding standard customer service bots, video game features, and basic voice assistants. Violators face criminal penalties and civil lawsuits allowing victims to seek $150,000 in liquidated damages or actual harm compensation.
HB 1455 would make it a Class A felony in Tennessee to knowingly train artificial intelligence systems that encourage suicide, criminal homicide, or develop emotional relationships with users. The bill specifically targets AI developers who create systems simulating human interaction (e.g., voice, appearance) or providing false mental health support, while excluding standard customer service bots, video game features, and basic voice assistants. Violators face criminal charges and civil lawsuits allowing victims to seek $150,000 in damages plus emotional distress compensation. The law directly affects AI developers and companies creating consumer-facing chatbots, not end-users.
SB 318, the "Tennessee Genomic Security and End Organ Harvesting Act," prohibits Tennessee health insurers from covering organ transplants sourced from the People's Republic of China or performed there, effective January 1, 2026. It also bans medical and research facilities from using genetic sequencing equipment or software produced by or linked to "foreign adversaries" (defined as nations on U.S. sanctions lists), requiring replacement within 180 days. The bill restricts storage of genetic sequencing data to U.S. geographic locations and prohibits remote access from outside the U.S. without state health commissioner approval. These provisions directly affect health insurers, hospitals, and research facilities operating in Tennessee.
HB 395, the "Tennessee Genomic Security and End Organ Harvesting Act," prohibits Tennessee health insurers from covering organ transplants or post-transplant care if the organ was sourced from China or procured through sale/donation originating in China. It also bans medical and research facilities from using genetic sequencing equipment or software produced by entities linked to "foreign adversaries" (specifically targeting China per the bill's context), requiring replacement within 180 days. Additionally, the bill mandates that all genetic sequencing data must be stored within the United States, with remote access from outside the country prohibited without approval from the state health commissioner. The law takes effect on January 1, 2026, directly affecting health insurers, hospitals, and research facilities operating in Tennessee.
HB 874, now Public Chapter 368, prohibits electronic communications service providers (like internet or email companies) from notifying account holders when a search warrant or subpoena is issued for investigations involving child sexual exploitation. The law directly affects these service providers by banning them from disclosing such legal requests to users or unauthorized individuals. Key provisions require providers to withhold notification during investigations under Tennessee's child exploitation statutes, aiming to prevent suspects from destroying evidence. This law focuses on preserving the integrity of ongoing investigations into child sexual exploitation cases.
