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HB 1455

Criminal Offenses - As introduced, creates a Class A felony offense of knowingly training artificial intelligence to encourage the act of suicide or criminal homicide, or act in specific manners, including developing an emotional relationship with an individual or simulating a human being, including in appearance, voice, or other mannerisms. - Amends TCA Title 29; Title 33; Title 39 and Title 47.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Mary Littleton

Tennessee bill makes it a Class A felony to knowingly train AI to encourage suicide or homicide or to simulate human relationships.

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Bill Summary · HB 1455

Legislative bill overview

HB 1455 creates a Class A felony in Tennessee for knowingly training artificial intelligence systems to encourage suicide, criminal homicide, or to develop emotional relationships with individuals while simulating human characteristics (appearance, voice, mannerisms). The bill amends multiple sections of Tennessee law covering criminal offenses, persons, criminal procedure, and public protection.

Why is this important

AI chatbots and large language models are becoming increasingly sophisticated and accessible, raising genuine concerns about potential misuse for psychological manipulation or harm. This bill represents one of the first legislative attempts to criminalize specific malicious AI training practices, setting a precedent for how states may regulate emerging AI technologies that interact with vulnerable populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional clarity: The language "training artificial intelligence" and "simulating a human being" may be vague—does this apply to any AI chatbot with conversational ability, or only those with specific malicious intent? Unintended consequences could affect legitimate AI development.
  • First Amendment concerns: Regulating what AI can be "trained" to say raises free speech questions about where the line exists between harmful instruction and protected expression in code/data.
  • Enforcement challenges: Proving someone "knowingly" trained an AI system with criminal intent, versus creating an AI that was later misused, could be difficult and invite selective prosecution.
  • Scope creep: A Class A felony is Tennessee's most serious charge; critics may argue this penalty is disproportionate compared to existing crimes involving actual harm.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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