News Tennessee AI Personhood Bill SB 837 2026: Difference between revisions
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The Tennessee AI Personhood Bill (SB 837 / HB 849) is legislation in the Tennessee General Assembly that defines "human being," "life," and "natural person" for statutory construction purposes, explicitly excluding artificial intelligence systems, computer algorithms, software programs, computer hardware, and machines from these definitions.[1][2]
Bill Provisions
The bills amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, relative to conditions of personhood. The core provision states:
- As introduced, defines "human being," "life," and "natural person" for statutory construction purposes; excludes from the definition of "person," "life," and "natural person" artificial intelligence, a computer algorithm, a software program, computer hardware, or any type of machine.[1]
This language directly clarifies that AI is not considered a person, life, human being, or natural person under state law, preventing any legal recognition of machine-based entities as persons.[2]
Legislative History
SB 837 passed the full Tennessee Senate on April 6, 2026 with a 26-6 vote. The House companion HB 849 was set aside in favor of SB 837, which then passed the full House on April 8, 2026 with a 93-2 vote. The bill was sent to Governor Bill Lee on April 15, 2026.[3]
Current Status
As of April 26, 2026, SB 837 has passed both chambers and has been delivered to Governor Lee's desk for signature or veto. The governor has 10 days to act on the bill. If signed, the law would take effect on the date specified in the legislation.[3]
Significance
This legislation represents one of the first state-level efforts to formally exclude AI from legal personhood definitions, addressing concerns that AI systems might someday claim legal rights or be recognized as legal persons. If enacted, it would establish a statutory construction principle that prevents courts or agencies from interpreting "person" to include AI systems in Tennessee law.
Related Legislation
- Tennessee CHAT Act (SB 1700) — chatbot safety and data privacy
- Tennessee Healthcare AI Bill (SB 1580) — prohibits AI from claiming to be a mental health professional (signed into law April 1, 2026)