Tennessee House Bill HB2163

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/20/24
• Refer: 2/27/24
• Engrossed: 3/12/24
• Enrolled: 4/16/24
• Passed: 5/3/24
• Chaptered: 5/13/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 39 and Title 40, relative to the sexual exploitation of children.

Impact

The passage of HB 2163 will fundamentally alter the statutory landscape surrounding the sexual exploitation of children in Tennessee. It expands the scope of what constitutes illegal acts, specifically targeting new forms of digital abuse that could arise from the misuse of AI technologies. This alignment with contemporary technological developments is meant to bolster protections for children, addressing gaps in current laws that do not adequately account for digital advancements. As such, this bill will be instrumental in safeguarding minors in an increasingly digital world, with effective enforcement expected from July 1, 2024.

Summary

House Bill 2163 is a legislative measure aimed at amending Tennessee's laws concerning the sexual exploitation of children. The bill specifically addresses the treatment of computer-generated and artificial intelligence-produced images within the context of child exploitation. By redefining pertinent statutory language, the bill seeks to incorporate advancements in technology, recognizing that images created or modified by artificial intelligence must also fall under regulations aimed at preventing exploitation. This defines 'artificial intelligence' and ‘generative artificial intelligence’ formally within the legal framework, ensuring that these modern technologies are scrutinized under existing laws designed to protect minors.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2163 appears supportive, reflecting a growing consensus on the importance of updating legal definitions to meet the challenges posed by emerging technologies. Advocacy groups and child protection agencies generally commend the proactive approach of the bill in addressing potential threats from AI and computer-generated imagery. There is a recognition that while technology can facilitate exploitation, strong regulations can help mitigate these risks. Nonetheless, there may be some concerns regarding the implementation and enforcement of these regulations as technology evolves.

Contention

Despite the overall supportive sentiment, there are potential points of contention surrounding the bill. Some stakeholders might argue about the implications of broadly defining 'artificial intelligence' and 'generative AI', suggesting that it could lead to overreach or unintended consequences regarding freedom of expression and digital creativity. Additionally, ensuring adequate resources and training for law enforcement to effectively implement the bill may present challenges. This tension between protecting children and fostering a creative technological landscape will likely prompt ongoing discussions as the law is enacted.