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 1291 expands tuition assistance under Tennessee's STRONG Act for National Guard members by covering additional fees beyond tuition, including parking, technology, and library fees for both undergraduate and master's degree programs. It increases the maximum credit hour limit for eligibility from 120 to 130 hours, shortens the application deadline for reimbursement from 90 to 45 days after course completion, and adds a new ineligibility rule for members suspended from federal tuition aid. The bill directly affects Tennessee National Guard members pursuing higher education at public institutions. These changes streamline financial aid access while clarifying covered costs and eligibility requirements.
SB 121 requires public charter schools in Tennessee to adopt internet acceptable use policies identical to those mandated for traditional school districts (LEAs). It directly affects all public schools, including charter schools, by prohibiting them from tracking or monitoring students' personal electronic device usage on school property - except during testing. The bill amends Tennessee law to explicitly include charter schools in all relevant provisions and clarifies that monitoring is only permitted when a student uses a device during an exam. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
SB 1339 extends the response time for businesses under Tennessee's data privacy law from 45 to 50 days when handling consumer requests for personal data. It specifically amends Section 47-18-3304(b)(2) of Tennessee Code to change the deadline for businesses to inform consumers of their decision to decline action on verified requests. This affects businesses that collect personal information of Tennessee residents and must comply with the Tennessee Information Protection Act. The change will take effect on July 1, 2025.
HB 280 extends the charter of the Tennessee Technology Development Corporation (TTDC) until June 30, 2027, preventing its automatic expiration under sunset provisions. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 14, Part 2 and Title 4, Chapter 29, to update the corporation's legal status and remove outdated references. This change directly affects the TTDC's ongoing operations, governance, and ability to support technology development initiatives across Tennessee. The legislation maintains the agency's existing structure and purpose without altering its core functions or funding mechanisms.
HB 1316 prohibits the use of digital driver licenses or digital photo IDs for voter identification purposes in Tennessee. The bill amends state law to require physical driver licenses for voting verification, while regulating data handling for digital license systems: it bans geolocation tracking, limits data retention to three days, and restricts biometric data collection (like facial scans) to only verifying identity against a physical license photo. These provisions directly affect Tennessee residents using digital driver licenses for non-voting purposes. The law, effective April 24, 2025, also mandates explicit user consent for biometric data and prohibits selling or sharing such data beyond law enforcement needs.
HB 773 requires that websites publishing legal notices for public viewing (such as court filings or government announcements) cannot charge fees or require subscriptions for access. This applies directly to online platforms, including newspapers, that post such notices under Tennessee law. The bill amends Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, Chapter 3, to add a specific requirement that these websites must be freely accessible to all residents. It takes effect on July 1, 2025, ensuring public access to legal notices without financial barriers.
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 545 requires Tennessee teachers in grades 6-12 to complete at least one free, department-approved professional development course on using artificial intelligence in classrooms by August 1, 2027, or within two years of their teaching license, whichever comes later. The Tennessee Department of Education must provide at least one self-paced, asynchronous course on AI in teaching, created by STEM-experienced entities, available at no cost to eligible teachers. Schools must approve the course for professional development credit under existing licensure rules. This bill directly affects over 20,000 K-12 teachers in Tennessee through mandatory training on AI integration in education.
HB 1382 requires health insurance companies, HMOs, and programs like TennCare to follow specific rules when using artificial intelligence or algorithms to review treatment requests (utilization management). It mandates that AI tools must base decisions on individual patient medical history and provider recommendations - not group data - and cannot override licensed doctors' evaluations of medical necessity. Insurers must disclose AI use in their policies, regularly review AI performance for accuracy, and ensure tools don’t discriminate or harm patients. This bill directly affects all Tennessee health insurance issuers using AI for treatment reviews, including major programs like TennCare and pharmacy benefits managers.
