HB 1299, the "Preventing Deepfake Images Act," creates a civil legal remedy for individuals whose non-consensual intimate digital images or videos - whether AI-generated deepfakes or manipulated real likenesses - are shared without their consent. It directly affects victims of such disclosures and those who distribute them, requiring explicit written consent for disclosure (not just creation) and defining "intimate digital depictions" to include explicit images of identifiable people. Key provisions allow victims to sue for up to $150,000 in liquidated damages, actual damages for emotional harm, or recovery of the defendant’s profits, plus attorney fees. Exceptions cover disclosures made in good faith to law enforcement or during legal proceedings, while courts may grant anonymity to plaintiffs.
SB 677 requires Tennessee's Department of Education to provide at least one free, self-paced online professional development course about using artificial intelligence in classrooms for teachers in grades 6-12. Teachers in these grades must complete one department-approved AI training course by August 1, 2027, or within two years of receiving their teaching license, whichever is later. The course must be created by an entity with expertise in STEM fields and can be used to earn required professional development credits. This bill directly affects all public school teachers in grades 6-12 across Tennessee, mandating specific AI training as part of their professional development requirements.
SB 1363 requires Tennessee's Attorney General to report on consumer protection investigations involving AI between January 2024 and December 2025. The report, due by July 1, 2026, must detail how often AI was used in unfair or deceptive business practices affecting trade or commerce, and will be sent to specific legislative committees. It mandates this using existing resources, without creating new enforcement powers. The bill directly affects the Attorney General's office and the House Consumer Protection and Senate Commerce and Labor committees. This is a reporting requirement, not a change to consumer protection laws.
HB 1209 updates Tennessee's Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council by defining "artificial intelligence" as machine systems that make decisions influencing environments, expanding the council's membership from 24 to 24-27 members, and adding requirements for AI expertise among appointees. The bill mandates the council to identify data privacy best practices for state agencies, reference existing AI policies, and compile an annual inventory of state and federal AI-related laws by December 31, 2025. This inventory must assess overlaps, gaps, and alignment with federal frameworks to reduce compliance burdens. The bill directly affects the council, state agencies managing AI systems, and entities developing AI technologies in Tennessee.
SB 1362 redefines "artificial intelligence" in Tennessee law as machine-based systems that make predictions, recommendations, or decisions influencing environments. It expands the Tennessee AI Advisory Council from 24 to 24-27 members, requiring at least two members with AI research/development experience and allowing nonvoting experts to advise. The bill mandates the council to compile an annual inventory of state and federal AI-related laws by December 2025, identifying overlaps or gaps, and to recommend data privacy best practices aligned with state data policies. This directly affects the AI Advisory Council and state agencies managing AI systems and data.
HB 531 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to teach students age-appropriate skills for safely accessing, using, and critically evaluating artificial intelligence tools starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates the state Department of Education to create implementation guidance covering basic AI concepts, practical applications, responsible usage, tool access, and critical thinking skills. It also directs the department to offer AI-focused professional development for educators, contingent on available funding. This bill directly affects K-12 students, teachers, and school districts by integrating AI literacy into existing curricula through state-provided resources.
SB 1261 requires Tennessee health insurance companies, including TennCare and pharmacy benefits managers, to follow strict rules when using artificial intelligence (AI) for healthcare decisions like approving treatments. It mandates that AI tools must base decisions on individual patient medical history and provider recommendations - not just group data - and cannot replace licensed doctors in determining medical necessity. Insurers must disclose AI use in their policies, regularly review AI performance, and ensure patient data is handled securely under HIPAA. The law prohibits AI from discriminating or causing harm and treats violations as unfair claims practices, allowing patients to sue for damages.
HB 433 amends Tennessee's unlawful exposure law to specifically criminalize distributing digitally altered intimate images of identifiable people. The bill directly affects individuals who create or share such images using digital tools like AI or photo editing software, with intent to cause emotional distress. Key provisions expand the offense to cover images "created or modified by means of a computer software program, artificial intelligence application, or other digital editing tools" when shared without consent. This makes it illegal to distribute these digitally manipulated images under circumstances where privacy was expected. The law takes effect July 1, 2025.
SB 514 requires Tennessee public schools and charter schools to provide age-appropriate instruction on accessing, using, and critically evaluating artificial intelligence tools within regular classes starting in the 2026-2027 school year. The bill mandates the Tennessee Department of Education to issue implementation guidance covering basic AI concepts, practical applications, responsible usage, tool access, and critical thinking skills. It also directs the department to offer AI-focused professional development for educators, contingent on available funding. This bill directly affects all local education agencies and public charter schools in Tennessee by integrating AI literacy into standard curricula.
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.
