Image Credit: TN General Assembly
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
A bill ensuring that artificial intelligence (AI) cannot be granted personhood in Tennessee law passed the House Civil Justice Subcommittee on Wednesday, March 18.
HB0849 by Rep. Michele Reneau (R-Signal Mountain-District 27) would ensure that in Tennessee law, whenever the word “person” is used, it always means a human being or human-led entity, not a machine.
While presenting the bill to the subcommittee, Reneau offered two examples of how AI is already encroaching on the boundaries of humanity.
In Wyoming, a candidate named “VIC” appeared on the ballot for mayor of Cheyenne, yet VIC was not an actual man but a custom-built AI, a “Virtual Integrated Citizen”. Her second scenario pointed to the decision of China-based company NetDragon to appoint an AI bot as its Chief Executive Officer.
“If an AI can run for office or run a company, how long before it tries to own property, sue a Tennessean, or claim constitutional rights?” Reneau queried. “While those examples may sound unusual, it does illustrate that the legal boundaries about AI are ripe for being tested. So, this legislation just ensures that Tennessee law remains clear that a person does not include artificial intelligence, computer algorithms, software programs, computer hardware, or any other types of machines.”
Reneau also explained how an amendment to the bill has altered the legislation from its original form.
Initially, HB0849 defined “person” and added a new subdivision describing what a “human being” and “life” specifically meant. These definitions have now been removed from the bill to streamline the verbiage and expressly clarify that the definition of “person” already found in Tennessee law cannot include AI or machines.
The vote was 6-0 in favor of passage, with Democrat Gloria Johnson marking herself “Present Not Voting”. With its amended language, HB0849 will now head to the full House Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 23.
In the other chamber, SB0837 carried by Sen. Mark Pody (R-Lebanon-District 17) is also scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, March. 23.
If you wish to contact members of either committee and express your thoughts on the legislation, use the information below:
House Judiciary Committee– HB0849 to be heard Monday, March 23
HB0849 declares AI cannot be considered a person in Tennessee.
Rep.andrew.farmer@capitol.tn.gov; rep.elaine.davis@capitol.tn.gov; rep.rebecca.alexander@capitol.tn.gov; rep.fred.atchley@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gino.bulso@capitol.tn.gov; rep.clay.doggett@capitol.tn.gov; rep.rick.eldridge@capitol.tn.gov; rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov; Rep.ga.hardaway@capitol.tn.gov; rep.torrey.harris@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gloria.johnson@capitol.tn.gov; rep.kelly.keisling@capitol.tn.gov; rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov; rep.mary.littleton@capitol.tn.gov; rep.jason.powell@capitol.tn.gov; rep.lowell.russell@capitol.tn.gov; rep.gabby.salinas@capitol.tn.gov; rep.rick.scarbrough@capitol.tn.gov; rep.tom.stinnett@capitol.tn.gov; rep.chris.todd@capitol.tn.gov; rep.joe.towns@capitol.tn.gov; rep.ron.travis@capitol.tn.gov
Senate Judiciary Committee– SB0837 to be heard Monday, March 23
SB0837 declares AI cannot be considered a person in Tennessee.
Sen.todd.gardenhire@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.kerry.roberts@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.paul.rose@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.bobby.harshbarger@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.sara.kyle@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.london.lamar@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.john.stevens@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.brent.taylor@capitol.tn.gov; Sen.dawn.white@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.
