Tennessee SenateSB 837
Statutes and Codification - As enacted, clarifies that a "person," as used in Tennessee Code Annotated, does not include artificial intelligence, a computer algorithm, a software program, computer hardware, or any type of machine. - Amends…
Passed 26–6Party-line
What it does: Present law establishes numerous rights and responsibilities that apply to persons, human beings, natural persons, and living beings. This bill specifies that, as used in Tennessee Code Annotated, the terms "person," "life," and "natural person" generally do not include artificial intelligence, a computer algorithm, a software program, computer hardware, or any type of machine. (official summary)
Question before the chamber: as Amended Third Consideration
The tally
Yes 26 · No 6 · Not voting 1
Bar: green = yes, brown = no, striped = not voting.
| Party | Yes | No | Not voting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 0 | 6 | 0 |
| Republicans | 26 | 0 | 1 |
Most Democrats voted no; most Republicans voted yes.
The full roll (33)
Yes 26
- Adam LoweR1
- Becky MasseyR6
- Bill PowersR22
- Bo WatsonR11
- Bobby HarshbargerR4
- Brent TaylorR31
- Dawn WhiteR13
- Ed JacksonR25
- Ferrell HaileR18
- Jack JohnsonR27
- Janice BowlingR16
- Jessie SealR8
- Joey HensleyR28
- John StevensR24
- Ken YagerR12
- Kerry RobertsR23
- Mark PodyR17
- Page WalleyR26
- Paul BaileyR15
- Paul RoseR32
- Randy McNallyR5
- Rusty CroweR3
- Shane ReevesR14
- Steve SoutherlandR9
- Todd GardenhireR10
- Tom HatcherR2
No 6
Not voting 1
“Not voting” is a recorded non-vote, not a reason for the absence. Parties come from public rosters; how we count.