Tennessee House Bill HB2817

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/31/24
• Refer: 2/5/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 1, relative to life.

Impact

The introduction of this definition could have significant implications for various state laws, especially in discussions relating to biological ethics, environmental legislation, and the rights associated with living entities. By formally distinguishing life from artificial entities, the bill sets a legal precedent for future legislative actions regarding bioethics, technology, and possibly even rights attributed to life forms versus non-living entities in the state of Tennessee.

Summary

House Bill 2817 aims to amend the Tennessee Code Annotated in Title 1 by introducing a specific definition of 'life'. The bill establishes that 'life' refers to the condition distinguishing living beings, such as animals and plants, from inorganic matter. This definition emphasizes characteristics such as growth, reproduction, functional activity, and ongoing change until death. Importantly, it explicitly states that the term does not encompass artificial intelligence, computer algorithms, software programs, computer hardware, or any type of machine.

Contention

There may be potential points of contention surrounding HB2817, particularly in how its definition intersects with ongoing technological advancements, especially in the fields of artificial intelligence and robotics. As society grapples with questions related to AI and its societal implications, critics might argue that this bill seeks to limit the recognition of sentience or agency that could be associated with advanced AI developments. Proponents, on the other hand, may assert that the bill protects the unique status of living beings and clarifies the legal boundaries separating life from machines.