SB 1700 / HB 1946, Public Chapter 1082 of 2026: TACIR study of regulating AI systems and generative AI chatbots

Summary

Introduced as a consumer-protection bill on AI chatbots, SB 1700 was rewritten in the Senate into a study. As enacted, it directs the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) to study the potential regulation of AI systems and generative AI chatbots in Tennessee. The study must cover existing and pending federal law, other states' frameworks, constitutional limits including speech, due process, preemption and interstate commerce, fiscal impact on state and local government, economic impact on businesses, developers, schools and consumers, and safeguards for minors and mental health including suicide prevention, with any recommendations for legislation. TACIR must publish a report and deliver it to the Governor and both speakers; a second amendment removed the January 2027 deadline. The act imposes no duties on chatbot operators.

Key dates

1. May 22, 2026Enacted
2. May 22, 2026Takes effect
3. October 16, 2026Checked against sources
4. October 21, 2026Checked against sources

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: January 15, 2027.

Evidence

Each passage is quoted from its source. The quoted passages are re-checked against the live pages every month.

1. Effective date(s) 05/22/2026 05/27/2026 Pub. Ch. 1082 05/27/2026 Signed by Governor. 05/22/2026

   Supports: Signing date, chapter and effective date

   As enacted, requires the Tennessee advisory commission on intergovernmental relations (TACIR) to conduct a study of the potential regulation of artificial intelligence systems and generative artificial intelligence chatbots in this state.

   Supports: Enacted scope

   SB 1700 bill information, 114th General Assembly Tennessee General Assembly Primary source

2. A review of safeguards relating to minors and mental health protections, including suicide prevention protocols

   Supports: Study topics

   Amendment No. 1 to SB1700 (SA0654) Tennessee General Assembly Primary source

3. TACIR shall publish a report of the study's findings and recommendations and shall deliver a copy of the report to the governor, the speaker of the senate, the speaker of the house of representatives, and the legislative librarian.

   Supports: Report duty without a deadline

   Amendment No. 2 to SB1700 (SA0965) Tennessee General Assembly Primary source