News-Tennessee-AI-Bills-Signed-April-2026
April 2026 — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee signed six artificial intelligence measures into law following the legislature's adjournment on April 23, 2026. The bills address AI therapy chatbots, AI personhood, smartphone limits in schools, deepfake liability, and child online content monetization.[1]
SB 1580 — AI Therapy Chatbot Prohibition
Senate Bill 1580 prohibits the use of AI-powered therapy chatbots. Tennessee became one of the first states to explicitly ban AI systems from providing therapeutic services, reflecting growing concern about unregulated AI mental health applications.[1]
SB 837 — AI Personhood Exclusion
Senate Bill 837 defines legal personhood to explicitly exclude artificial intelligence, ensuring that AI systems cannot claim legal rights or protections reserved for natural persons or corporate entities.[1]
SB 2310 — Bell-to-Bell Smartphone Limitations
Senate Bill 2310 enacts bell-to-bell smartphone use limitations in public K-5 schools, restricting device usage during the entire school day.[1]
SB 2041 — Deepfake Intimate Imagery Civil Action
Senate Bill 2041 specifies parameters for civil action recovery for harm suffered as a result of deepfake intimate or sexual imagery, creating a private right of action for victims.[1]
SB 1469 — Minor Online Video Monetization Restrictions
Senate Bill 1469 restricts minors under the age of 14 from monetizing online video content, addressing concerns about the exploitation of children on digital platforms.[1]
SB 1700 — Chatbot Safety Bill (Effectively Killed)
A chatbot safety bill, Senate Bill 1700 (the CHAT Act), was approved in the legislature but was effectively killed by means of an undermining amendment before adjournment. The bill would have established safety requirements for AI chatbot platforms.[1] See also: Tennessee SB 1700