TN, US · AI law tracker

SB1261 — TN, US

SB1261 is an AI governance legislation from TN, currently introduced. Tennessee SB1261 introduces requirements for health insurance issuers employing AI in utilization review and management functions [1]. AIGI tracks 1 primary-source update on this bill; the most recent was published on 2025-02-06.

Status & timeline

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

Next deadline: No fixed deadline — as introduced, this bill is in the legislative process.

Subscriber only

Full obligation matrix

ActorObligationDeadlineSource
deployerComply with new requirements when using artificial intelligence, algorithms, or other software for utilization review or utilization management functions.

Subscriber only

Enforcement risk score

25
/ 100

Announced regulation; enforcement footprint still forming.

Subscriber only

Role-based compliance checklist

  • compliance_officer Monitor the progress of TN SB1261 and any proposed regulations for specific requirements on AI/algorithm use in health insurance.
  • general_counsel Assess potential legal implications of proposed AI/algorithm regulations for health insurance utilization review and management.
  • cto Begin preliminary assessment of existing AI/algorithm systems used in utilization review against potential regulatory requirements.

Subscriber only

Vendor impact assessment

Vendor risk class
high
Procurement categories
healthcare_ai, fraud_detection, other

Vendors providing AI, algorithmic, or other software solutions for utilization review or management to health insurance issuers in Tennessee will need to demonstrate compliance with new state requirements, focusing on transparency, fairness, and human oversight.

Sample vendor questions

  1. How does your AI/algorithm system ensure fairness and prevent bias in utilization review decisions?
  2. What transparency and explainability features are built into your AI/algorithm for utilization management?
  3. What human oversight mechanisms are integrated into your AI/algorithm-driven utilization review processes?
  4. How do you ensure data privacy and security for protected health information processed by your AI/algorithm solutions?
  5. What documentation and auditing capabilities does your system provide to demonstrate compliance with potential state regulations?

Intelligence briefs (1)

legislation introduced 2/6/2025

Tennessee Bill SB1261 Targets AI in Health Insurance Utilization Review

Tennessee SB1261 introduces requirements for health insurance issuers employing AI in utilization review and management functions [1].

This initiative signals state-level attention to AI governance within health insurance practices, impacting deployer obligations for healthcare AI.

Deadline: No fixed deadline — as introduced, this bill is in the legislative process.

Primary source →

Frequently asked questions

What is SB1261?
Tennessee's General Assembly introduced SB1261, a bill imposing specific requirements on health insurance issuers. These requirements apply when issuers employ artificial intelligence, algorithms, or other software for their utilization review or utilization management functions [1]. This legislative development focuses on the governance of AI in healthcare decision-making processes, indicating increasing scrutiny of automated decision tools in critical sectors. Primary source →
Why does SB1261 matter?
This initiative signals state-level attention to AI governance within health insurance practices, impacting deployer obligations for healthcare AI. Primary source →
Who does SB1261 affect?
The bill primarily affects health insurance issuers operating within Tennessee that leverage AI systems for utilization review or utilization management. This includes companies deploying algorithmic tools to assess the necessity and appropriateness of medical services for policyholders. Organizations using AI in claims processing, prior authorization, or care management workflows within the healthcare insurance sector would be within the potential scope of this legislation. Primary source →
What are the key dates for SB1261?
No fixed deadline — as introduced, this bill is in the legislative process. Primary source →
What is the current status of SB1261?
As of the last published update, SB1261 is at the "introduced" stage, with bill status "introduced". Primary source →
Where can I find the primary source for SB1261?
The primary source for the most recent update is at https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/BillInfo/Default?BillNumber=SB1261&ga=114. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill. Primary source →

Stay informed

Get briefs on every AI law, every morning.

Start 14-day trial →