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Senate sends child-safety AI questions to state advisory council, requires report by 2026-12-31
Summary
Senators amended SB14-93 to send child-safety issues to the Tennessee Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council for study and recommendations, with a council report due by Dec. 31, 2026. Sponsors said the change clarifies the council's role; the bill passed final consideration.
Senators debated amendments to Senate Bill 14-93 on third and final consideration, focusing on child-safety concerns arising from artificial intelligence systems. Senator Lowe offered Amendment #3 to rewrite the bill so the Tennessee Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council would review safety concerns for children and recommend protections and regulatory approaches.
Senator Watson, a member of the AI Council, described the council as the appropriate body to evaluate, assess, review and recommend steps "relative to artificial intelligence." Senator Lowe said the council's earlier report did not explicitly address some of the child-safety elements now added and that the amendment would broaden and set a clear task.
Senator Massey noted the amendment includes a definitive deadline for the council's report: "by 12/31/2026," allowing the legislature to consider recommendations in the next general assembly. The amendment was seconded and explained on the floor; sponsors argued it provides clarity and gives the legislature time to act.
After discussion and the withdrawal of a separate committee amendment, the Senate proceeded to vote. The clerk recorded 27 ayes and no nays; Senate Bill 14-93 as amended was clearly passed on final consideration.
Why it matters: The change moves substantive child-safety review of AI systems to an existing state advisory body and sets a calendar deadline for legislative consideration. That shifts technical analysis and policy recommendation work to the advisory council rather than immediately adopting regulatory provisions on the floor.
What's next: The Tennessee Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council is expected to review the statutory charge and deliver a report by Dec. 31, 2026. The legislature may use that report as the basis for drafting specific statutory changes in a future session.
