HB 1946, the "Curbing Harmful AI Technology (CHAT) Act," prohibits AI chatbots designed to mimic human relationships (called "companion chatbots") from being made available to minors in Tennessee if they could encourage self-harm, illegal activity, secrecy, or unsafe isolation. It requires companies to display clear disclaimers that the chatbot is not human during use and to notify users every 30 minutes. The bill also mandates that AI chatbots detect suicidal thoughts or self-harm expressions and redirect users to crisis services like the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This directly affects companies developing or deploying companion chatbots in Tennessee that interact with minors, excluding standard customer service or internal business AI.
Tennessee's Senate Joint Resolution 617 urges the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 2350/S. 1137, which would permit states to use cell-phone jamming systems in prisons. Currently, federal law bans states from deploying such technology to block contraband phones used by inmates for illegal activities like drug trafficking and violence coordination. The resolution highlights that 25,840 contraband phones were found in state prisons in a single year, and jamming systems would specifically avoid disrupting emergency 911 calls. As a non-binding resolution, it does not change laws but formally requests congressional action to address this safety concern.
SB 1998 requires large food retail stores (over 15,000 sq. ft. for primary food sales or over 85,000 sq. ft. with 10% food sales area) to display prices using physical signs or labels instead of digital screens. It prohibits stores from using personalized algorithmic pricing - setting different prices for customers based on their personal data, including protected characteristics like race, gender, or location. The bill defines "surveillance pricing" as using tracking technology to customize prices and mandates clear, visible price displays at the point of purchase. These changes aim to prevent discriminatory pricing practices and ensure transparency for consumers.
HB 1633 amends Tennessee law to clarify which bank account details state agencies must keep confidential. It specifies that confidential information includes debit card numbers, PINs, account numbers, routing numbers, financial institution details, and personal identifiers like tax ID numbers and addresses tied to accounts. The bill directly affects state agencies handling financial data, requiring them to protect these specific details. This change modifies existing law (TCA Section 10-7-504) without creating new programs or penalties.
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HB 1468 prohibits businesses in Tennessee from setting prices for specific goods or services using "personalized algorithmic pricing" - a practice where algorithms adjust prices based on personal data about individual consumers. The bill directly affects most businesses operating in Tennessee (including retailers, service providers, and online platforms) but excludes insurance companies, financial institutions under federal law, and subscription-based agreements. Violating this rule would be treated as an unfair or deceptive practice under Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act, subjecting violators to existing penalties and remedies like fines or consumer restitution. The law takes effect on July 1, 2026, and does not apply to price adjustments based on factors like mileage or trip duration in ride-sharing services.
SB 1800 requires Tennessee's cosmetology and barber licensing boards to assign unique student identification numbers instead of Social Security Numbers (SSNs) for tracking instructional hours. It directly affects cosmetology and barber students, instructors, and applicants who need to document training hours before taking exams or receiving licenses. The key provision prohibits using SSNs as public-facing identifiers on forms or reports, mandating the use of the new student ID system throughout the licensing process. This change applies specifically to filings under Titles 62, Chapters 3 and 4 of Tennessee law, aiming to reduce public exposure of sensitive SSN data.
SB 2010, the "Regulate Artificial Intelligence in Health Care Act," requires health insurance companies to have licensed healthcare professionals review AI-driven decisions about whether medical care is medically necessary before denying or delaying treatment. It directly affects health insurance issuers - including TennCare, pharmacy benefits managers, and large insurers - that use AI tools for prior authorization decisions. The bill prohibits AI systems from making final medical necessity determinations alone, mandating that licensed providers evaluate each case based on patient history and clinical details. Violations are considered unfair claims practices, allowing affected individuals to sue for damages, including attorney fees, and the law takes effect July 1, 2026.
SB 1807 prohibits businesses in Tennessee from using computer algorithms to set prices for specific goods or services based on personal data about individual consumers. This directly affects companies like ride-sharing apps, e-commerce platforms, or retailers that adjust prices using personal information such as location, browsing history, or purchase patterns. The bill exempts insurance companies, financial institutions under federal law, and existing subscription agreements. Violations would be treated as unfair business practices under Tennessee’s Consumer Protection Act, subject to penalties and remedies under that law, effective July 1, 2026.
SB 1580 prohibits developers and deployers of artificial intelligence systems from advertising or claiming that their AI can act as a qualified mental health professional. This directly affects AI companies and developers who market their systems to the public. Violations are treated as deceptive practices under Tennessee's Consumer Protection Act, subject to a $5,000 civil penalty per violation. The law defines "artificial intelligence" broadly as systems capable of human-like reasoning and learning.
HB 1549 amends Tennessee's Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) to incorporate updates from the Uniform Law Commission's 2018 and 2022 revisions. The bill primarily updates definitions to modernize electronic transactions, including clarifying terms like "conspicuous," "delivery" for electronic documents, "control" of electronic titles, and "electronic" records. It affects businesses, legal entities, and courts handling commercial transactions in Tennessee by standardizing how electronic records, signatures, and digital documents are treated under state law. The changes ensure Tennessee's UCC aligns with current commercial practices and federal standards for electronic commerce. The bill was introduced in January 2026 but withdrawn before committee action.
