Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov & Canva
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
One of several bills making their way through the legislature this year aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) is scheduled to be heard by the Senate Health & Welfare Committee on Wednesday, Feb. 4.
SB1580, sponsored by Sen. Page Walley, simply states that “a person who develops or deploys an artificial intelligence system shall not advertise or represent to the public that such a system is or is able to act as a qualified mental health professional.”
Under the legislation, AI is defined as “models and systems capable of performing functions generally associated with human intelligence, including reasoning and learning.”
A violation of this proposed law would constitute a violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977 as it would be considered an “unfair or deceptive act or practice affecting trade or commerce,” and could also be subject to an additional civil penalty of $5,000 per incident.
The companion bill, HB1470, is carried by Rep. Tim Hicks and is awaiting a date before the House Population Health Subcommittee.
AI regulation is quickly becoming one of this year’s most significant issues as lawmakers push to protect human spheres from undue or inappropriate technological influence.
Two such examples of these efforts are SB0837 which would dictate that AI cannot be considered “life” or a “person” in Tennessee and HB1455 creating a felony offense for training AI to encourage violent or suicidal acts or otherwise simulate a human being.
Both bills, and their respective companions, are awaiting hearing dates before their assigned committees.
To contact members of the Senate Health & Welfare Committee with thoughts on SB1580, use the information below:
Sen.rusty.crowe@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.ferell.haile@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.bobby.harshbarger@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.becky.massey@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.shane.reeves@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov
Sen.rusty.crowe@capitol.tn.gov; sen.ferrell.haile@capitol.tn.gov; sen.bobby.harshbarger@capitol.tn.gov; sen.joey.hensley@capitol.tn.gov; sen.ed.jackson@capitol.tn.gov; sen.becky.massey@capitol.tn.gov; sen.shane.reeves@capitol.tn.gov; sen.bo.watson@capitol.tn.gov; sen.jeff.yarbro@capitol.tn.gov
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
