SB 1580 / HB 1470, Public Chapter 647 of 2026: AI systems may not be advertised as qualified mental health professionals

Summary

Tennessee prohibits anyone who develops or deploys an artificial intelligence system from advertising or representing to the public that the system is, or can act as, a qualified mental health professional. Artificial intelligence is defined as models and systems capable of functions generally associated with human intelligence, including reasoning and learning. A violation is an unfair or deceptive act under the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act of 1977, subject to its penalties and remedies, and carries a civil penalty of $5,000 per violation notwithstanding that act's usual limits. The bill passed both chambers unanimously without amendment.

Key dates

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

Developments are added when the record is reviewed. Next review: October 16, 2027.

Evidence

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

1. SB1580 has been assigned Public Chapter Number 647 by the Secretary of State.

   Supports: Public chapter number

   Effective date(s) 07/01/2026 04/06/2026 Pub. Ch. 647 04/06/2026 Signed by Governor. 04/01/2026

   Supports: Signing date, chapter date and effective date

   No amendments for SB1580.

   Supports: Enacted as introduced

   SB 1580 bill information, 114th General Assembly Tennessee General Assembly Primary source

2. A person who develops or deploys an artificial intelligence system shall not advertise or represent to the public that such system is or is able to act as a qualified mental health professional.

   Supports: Core prohibition

   a violation of subsection (a) is subject to a civil penalty of five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation.

   Supports: Civil penalty

   Senate Bill 1580 (bill text) Tennessee General Assembly Primary source