Image Credit: Governor Lee
The Tennessee Conservative [By Adelia Kirchner] –
A new state law addressing the issue of AI-generated child pornography, which is generated from video, images, and audio of real children, was signed into law back in April and will go into effect next month.
As passed by state lawmakers, the legislation “creates a criminal offense of possessing, distributing, or producing technology, software, or digital tools designed for the purpose of creating material that includes a minor engaged in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive” and “establishes relevant factors to be considered in determining whether artificial technology, software, or digital tools are used or possessed with intent to create material that includes a minor engaged in sexual activity or simulated sexual activity that is patently offensive.”
According to the bill text, possession of these AI tools is classified as a Class E felony, distribution of the tools is a Class C felony, and production of the tools is a Class B felony.
SB 741/HB 769 was sponsored in the Tennessee General Assembly this year by Sen. Ken Yager (R-Kingston-District 12) and Rep. Mary Littleton (R-Dickson-District 78).
“This law is about keeping pace with rapidly evolving technology to protect our children from unthinkable exploitation,” Sen. Yager stated. “Bad actors are using AI to create disturbing and abusive content, and Tennessee is taking a strong stand to stop it. By criminalizing the tools used to generate AI child pornography, we’re giving law enforcement what they need to pursue offenders and protect victims.”
SB 741/HB 769 passed with a unanimous 32-0 vote in the state Senate on March 24th and by a 94-0 vote in the state House on April 14th.
Rep. Gabby Salinas (D-Memphis-District 96) was the only lawmaker marked as “present and not voting” during the floor votes.
Co-sponsors of the bill included Republican Senators Bo Watson, John Stevens, Ferrell Haile, Tom Hatcher, Joey Hensley, Becky Massey, Shane Reeves, Paul Rose and Dawn White, Republican Representative Andrew Farmer and Democrat Representative G.A. Hardaway.
Governor Bill Lee (R-TN) signed the legislation into law on April 24th and the new law will take effect on July 1st of this year.
About the Author: Adelia Kirchner is a Tennessee resident and reporter for the Tennessee Conservative. Currently the host of Subtle Rampage Podcast, she has also worked for the South Dakota State Legislature and interned for Senator Bill Hagerty’s Office in Nashville, Tennessee. You can reach Adelia at adelia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
Good.