Bill > HB0849

This bill amends Tennessee's legal definitions to explicitly clarify the scope of personhood and life, specifically excluding artificial intelligence (AI) and technological systems from these definitions. The legislation defines "human being" as an individual member of the homo sapiens species, including unborn humans from fertilization through full gestation, and defines "life" as the biological condition distinguishing living organisms from inorganic matter, characterized by growth, reproduction, functional activity, and ongoing change before death. The bill modifies the existing legal definition of "person" to explicitly state that corporations, firms, companies, and associations can be considered persons, while simultaneously specifying that AI, computer algorithms, software programs, computer hardware, and machines are not considered persons or living entities. By creating these precise definitions, the bill appears to ensure that technological systems cannot be legally interpreted as having the same rights or status as human beings, potentially addressing emerging questions about the legal standing of advanced AI technologies. The legislation would take effect immediately upon becoming law, as determined by the Tennessee General Assembly.

Justice

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0849&ga=114