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The Tennessee Conservative [By Paula Gomes] –
Legislation ensuring that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be granted personhood in Tennessee was signed into law by Governor Bill Lee last week.
HB0849/SB0837, sponsored by Representative Michele Reneau (R-Signal Mountain-District 27) and Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon-District 17), clarifies that the definition of “person” already found in state law means a human being or human-led entity and not any kind of AI which includes computer algorithms, software, computer hardware, or any other type of machine.
While the legislation received bipartisan support, early amendments included new definitions to describe what a “human being” or “life” specifically meant and were objected to from both sides of the aisle. Democrats took issue with the inclusion of words like “fetus” and “unborn child,” while Republicans believed new definitions could negatively impact the IVF industry.
Upon announcing their bills at the beginning of the year, the sponsors pointed to problematic examples of AI appearing on election ballots or being considered for appointment as chief executives for companies as to why the legislation was needed.
In a January press release, Reneau stated, “This legislation draws clear legal boundaries to protect inalienable rights that belong to humans, not databases, computers, or artificial intelligence.”
Tennessee law extends legal personhood to certain entities in limited circumstances so that they may be held liable for any harm resulting from products or services they provide.
Had lawmakers made the legislation more robust and explicitly stated that AI is not only not human but is a product, AI companies may have been exposed to more liability down the road.
The Trump administration has threatened legal action and loss of federal funds for states passing legislation that could stymie the growth of the AI industry.
Pody believes the new law will not run afoul of the president’s executive order.
An AI advisory council that the Tennessee General Assembly established in 2024 will be responsible for overseeing future AI bills.
About the Author: Paula Gomes is a Tennessee resident and reporter for The Tennessee Conservative. You can reach Paula at paula@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
