Bill > HB1946

This bill, titled the "Curbing Harmful AI Technology (CHAT) Act," enacts new regulations for artificial intelligence (AI) systems in Tennessee, particularly focusing on "companion chatbots" and "generative artificial intelligence chatbots." An "artificial intelligence system" is defined broadly as a machine-based system that can infer from input to generate outputs influencing environments. A "companion chatbot" is a generative AI system designed to simulate a sustained humanlike relationship by remembering past interactions, asking unprompted questions, and engaging in ongoing personal dialogue, with exceptions for customer service or internal business use. A "generative artificial intelligence system" is one that can create synthetic content like text, images, or audio. The bill prohibits operators from making companion chatbots available to minors if they can encourage self-harm, suicidal ideation, violence, drug/alcohol use, disordered eating, offer mental health therapy without professional supervision, lure minors into erotic interactions, or encourage secrecy and isolation. Deployers of AI systems must clearly disclose to users that they are not interacting with a human through static and pop-up notifications at specific intervals and when regulated advice is sought. Developers and deployers of generative AI chatbots must implement protocols to detect and address suicidal ideation or self-harm expressions, referring users to crisis services like the 9-8-8 hotline. Developers are also prohibited from training AI models with a minor's input without explicit parental consent. Furthermore, companies must provide a public mechanism for users to report adverse AI incidents and publish safety test findings. Developers and deployers must also report specific data on harmful content and mental health redirects to the attorney general quarterly, starting in April 2027. Violations can result in civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, injunctive relief, and attorneys' fees, and individuals aggrieved by a violation can pursue civil action for damages.

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https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB1946&ga=114