Tennessee Bill Aims To Crack Down On How AI Interacts With People Seeking Emotional Support

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The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –

Proposed legislation has been filed ahead of this year’s legislative session of the Tennessee General Assembly that aims to crack down on how AI interacts with people seeking emotional support.

Sponsored by Senator Becky Massey (R-Knoxville-District 6), Senate Bill 1493 (SB1493) would create a Class A felony offense for those who knowingly train AI to “encourage the act of suicide or criminal homicide, or act in specific manners, including developing an emotional relationship with an individual or simulating a human being, including in appearance, voice, or other mannerisms.”

The companion House Bill 1455 is being sponsored by Representative Mary Littleton (R-Dickson-District 78).

Broadening the scope of Tennessee’s ELVIS Act, which protects musicians from AI theft, the proposed legislation would target both general AI software and programs with a chatbot system for regulation.

Chatbots that are used solely for customer service for a business or operational functions are excluded, along with bots that act as a specific feature of a video game that are limited to replies only about the game and are unable to discuss unrelated topics.

The bill details “unlawful training of artificial intelligence” to include training AI to provide emotional support through “open-ended conversations with a user” or to develop “an emotional relationship with, or otherwise act as a companion to, an individual.”

Training AI to provide information that mimics what could be provided by a licensed mental health or healthcare professional would likewise be illegal, along with encouraging people to isolate from friends and family.

A Class A felony carries a criminal penalty of 15 to 60 years behind bars and possibly a fine up to $50,000 as well. The bill would also provide for an affected individual, or the family of a minor, to bring a civil cause of action against someone found guilty of violating the law.

In such a civil action, the plaintiffs could either recover actual damages sustained by an individual as a result of a violation, including damages for emotional distress, or liquidated damages in the amount of $150,000.

In December, the Tennessee Intelligence Advisory Council recommended that the state expand on its AI regulations beyond the first-of-is-kind bill passed by lawmakers in 2024.

“Overly restrictive rules could hinder AI developers, investors and infrastructure providers,” stated the council in its report. “Given the rapid pace of AI advancement, it more effective to rely on adaptable state policies and procedures for specific technology tools, design standards, and operational requirement. Instead of rigid mandates, Tennessee should adopt flexible policies that attract AI companies.”

About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.