Tennessee HB2185 introduces new requirements for political advertisements, mandating disclaimers for content created either wholly or partially by artificial intelligence [1]. The legislation further extends this requirement to materially deceptive media disseminated for political campaigns, regardless of its generation method [2]. Violations of these provisions are subject to criminal penalties and may lead to injunctive relief [3].

Who does HB2185 affect?

Organizations engaged in political advertising or campaign media distribution within Tennessee are directly affected. This includes political campaigns, committees, and media agencies leveraging generative AI tools to create advertisements or other campaign-related content. The requirements apply to both content partially and wholly created by AI, as well as materially deceptive media, irrespective of its generation method, if disseminated for political campaign purposes.

What is the current status of HB2185?

As of the last published update, HB2185 is at the "introduced" stage, with bill status "introduced".

Where can I find the primary source for HB2185?

The primary source for the most recent update is at https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2185&ga=113. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill.

TN, US · AI law tracker

HB2185 — TN, US

HB2185 is an AI governance legislation from TN, currently introduced. Tennessee HB2185 requires disclaimers for AI-generated political advertisements and materially deceptive campaign media [1]. AIGI tracks 1 primary-source update on this bill; the most recent was published on 2024-01-25.

Status & timeline

Regulatory stage: introduced
Bill status: introduced
Authority / governing body: Tennessee General Assembly
Document type: legislation

Next deadline: No fixed deadline — effective upon enactment.

Subscriber only

Full obligation matrix

Actor	Obligation	Deadline	Source
user	Include certain disclaimers on political advertisements created in whole or in part by artificial intelligence.	Upon enactment	—
user	Include certain disclaimers on materially deceptive media disseminated for purposes of a political campaign.	Upon enactment	—
user	Refrain from disseminating political advertisements created with AI or materially deceptive media in political campaigns without the required disclaimers.	Upon enactment	—
other	Be subject to criminal penalties for violations.	Upon enactment	—
other	Be subject to injunctive relief for violations.	Upon enactment	—

Subscriber only

Enforcement risk score

/ 100

Announced regulation; enforcement footprint still forming.

Subscriber only

Role-based compliance checklist

compliance_officer Monitor the progress of HB2185 through the Tennessee General Assembly. (Ongoing)
general_counsel Assess potential legal implications for political campaigns and advertising firms if the bill is enacted. (Upon potential enactment)
product_manager Develop or update internal policies and procedures for identifying and labeling AI-generated content in political advertisements. (Upon enactment)
hr_director Train staff involved in political advertising creation on new disclosure requirements for AI-generated and deceptive media. (Upon enactment)

Subscriber only

Vendor impact assessment

Vendor risk class: high
Procurement categories: ai_in_advertising, content_moderation

Vendors providing AI-powered content creation, media services, or advertising tools for political campaigns will need to ensure their solutions and services facilitate compliance with these disclosure requirements and avoid the creation of non-compliant deceptive media. Non-compliance could lead to significant legal and reputational risks for both vendors and their clients.

Sample vendor questions

What are your policies and tools for identifying AI-generated content in political ads?
How do you ensure compliance with state-specific disclosure requirements for AI-generated political content?
What mechanisms are in place to prevent the creation or dissemination of materially deceptive media for political campaigns?
Can you provide assurances that your services will help us meet new transparency obligations regarding AI in political advertising?

Intelligence briefs (1)

legislation introduced 1/25/2024

Tennessee Political Ads with AI-Generated Content Mandate Disclaimers

Tennessee HB2185 requires disclaimers for AI-generated political advertisements and materially deceptive campaign media [1].

This development signifies a legislative response to AI's impact on political discourse, affecting content provenance and transparency obligations.

Deadline: No fixed deadline — effective upon enactment.

Primary source →

Frequently asked questions

What is HB2185?: Tennessee HB2185 introduces new requirements for political advertisements, mandating disclaimers for content created either wholly or partially by artificial intelligence [1]. The legislation further extends this requirement to materially deceptive media disseminated for political campaigns, regardless of its generation method [2]. Violations of these provisions are subject to criminal penalties and may lead to injunctive relief [3]. Primary source →
Why does HB2185 matter?: This development signifies a legislative response to AI's impact on political discourse, affecting content provenance and transparency obligations. Primary source →
Who does HB2185 affect?: Organizations engaged in political advertising or campaign media distribution within Tennessee are directly affected. This includes political campaigns, committees, and media agencies leveraging generative AI tools to create advertisements or other campaign-related content. The requirements apply to both content partially and wholly created by AI, as well as materially deceptive media, irrespective of its generation method, if disseminated for political campaign purposes. Primary source →
What are the key dates for HB2185?: No fixed deadline — effective upon enactment. Primary source →
What is the current status of HB2185?: As of the last published update, HB2185 is at the "introduced" stage, with bill status "introduced". Primary source →
Where can I find the primary source for HB2185?: The primary source for the most recent update is at https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=HB2185&ga=113. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill. Primary source →

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Important — about this brief

This brief is published by AIGI as a regulatory intelligence service. It contains general information about AI laws, regulations, enforcement actions, and policy signals across jurisdictions. It is not legal, compliance, audit, or risk-management advice; it does not establish an attorney-client, advisory, or fiduciary relationship; and it should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counsel applied to specific facts and circumstances. Where the brief identifies “Issues for Review,” those are observations of questions a reader in a particular role might raise with their own legal, compliance, or risk function — not recommendations to act. AIGI expressly disclaims liability for actions taken or not taken in reliance on this brief. Subscribers in regulated industries should consult licensed professionals authorized to practice in their jurisdiction.

Full disclosures →

Status & timeline

Intelligence briefs (1)

Tennessee Political Ads with AI-Generated Content Mandate Disclaimers

Frequently asked questions

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