House adopts study of AI risks to children after heated debate over federal contacts

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee House of Representatives voted to adopt conference committee language and pass Senate Bill 14 93 on third and final consideration, directing a statewide study of artificial intelligence and its potential risks to children.

Deputy Speaker Zachary, speaking on the amendment he sponsored, said the measure is a TASA study charged to assess ‘‘the potential risk to children, the risk of death, bodily injury based on misinformation and misleading information provided by AI,’’ and to recommend mitigation, review national and international standards, and report findings early next year. He described the provision as a fact-finding step rather than an immediate regulatory mandate.

Zachary challenged claims circulating about federal interference and the Senate's actions. “That is false, and that is misleading information,” he said, adding that he had “talked to the White House 3 times” and that intergovernmental affairs expressed support for the study. He also told members that ‘‘lobbyists for Amazon, Google, and Meta worked the 7th Floor’’ opposing earlier versions, and that executives had come to advocate against the bill.

Several members pressed for clarity. Representative Powell said he had heard the bill was blocked after “the Trump administration got involved” and said it raised concerns about whether AI regulation is a federal issue; Zachary and others disputed that claim on the floor. Representative Love suggested combining similar task-force work so TASA might produce a comprehensive report.

Supporters emphasized the study's narrow scope. Zachary said the study should ‘‘assess the potential risk to children… explore methods to regulate and prohibit AI from dangerous prompts such as committing suicide or violent crime’’ and to examine chatbots that provide emotional support. He told lawmakers the study would inform further legislation next year if needed.

Lawmakers voted in favor of adoption; the clerk recorded the motion carried and the Speaker declared the bill passed on third reading.

The House debate mixed policy questions about AI and children with procedural concerns about federal and industry influence and how best to produce follow-up legislation. The next step is the TASA report to the General Assembly as directed by the conference committee report; the bill was adopted and recorded as passed on the House floor.