TN HB1946

Creates the "Curbing Harmful AI Technology (CHAT) Act" regulating companion chatbots and generative AI systems, effective January 1, 2027

Prohibits operators from making companion chatbots available to minors (under 18) if capable of encouraging self-harm, suicide, violence, drug use, sexual content, or illegal activity including child sexual abuse materials

Requires AI chatbots to display persistent disclaimers that users are not interacting with a human, with pop-up notifications at login, every 30 minutes, and when providing medical, financial, or legal advice

Mandates generative AI chatbots include suicide/self-harm detection protocols that redirect users to crisis services like the 988 hotline, and prohibits training AI models on minors' data without parental written consent

Authorizes enforcement by the Attorney General with civil penalties up to $25,000 per violation, plus creates a private right of action allowing aggrieved users to seek actual damages, punitive damages, and attorneys' fees