Series of lawsuits has alleged that AI chatbots contributed to the deaths of children
It’s here, whether you like it or not. AI, it seems, has gone from sci-fi to possibility to everyday life in a remarkably short time. And with that rise, fears follow. Is AI dangerous for children and families?
Senator Ken Yager (R-Kingston) and Deputy Speaker Jason Zachary (R-Knoxville) are taking steps to make sure the industry remains transparent as lawmakers and the public navigate the unknown.
The duo has introduced the Artificial Intelligence Public Safety and Child Protection Transparency Act (HB 1898 / SB 2171) to protect Tennessee children and families from the growing risks of artificial intelligence. The act establishes transparency requirements for how large AI developers assess and mitigate risks presented by their AI models,” according to a release.
“I started out as a schoolteacher, and I’ve spent close to 50 years in public service — from the county courthouse to the state capitol,” said Yager. “In all that time, I’ve learned that the best thing you can do is listen to the people you represent. And right now, Tennessee families are telling us loud and clear that they’re concerned about what AI is doing to their kids. When nine out of 10 voters say they want action, that’s not something I need to think twice about.”
According to a survey of 503 likely Tennessee voters conducted by Anchor Research in Feb. 2026, 88% of Tennesseans support legislation requiring AI developers to implement safety and security protocols to manage critical risks and protect children.
“As a father and as Deputy Speaker, protecting Tennessee’s children is one of my highest priorities,” said Deputy Speaker Zachary. “We’ve already seen tragic cases where AI chatbots have contributed to the harm and death of children across the country. Tennessee families shouldn’t have to wonder whether the AI systems their children use have basic safety measures in place. This legislation is common sense.”
The Anchor Research poll also found that 90% of Tennessee voters believe it is important for the state to have laws protecting children from AI-Related harms.
“A recent national survey, ‘How and Why Teens Use AI Companions,’ revealed nearly 3 in 4 American teens say they’ve used an AI companion,” according to the release.
Recently, a series of lawsuits has alleged that AI chatbots contributed to the deaths of children.
“Several of these cases have garnered national attention. A suit brought by the Raine family in 2025 alleges that ChatGPT instructed their 16-year-old son on how to make a noose and encouraged him to commit suicide,” according to the release.
In 2024, Megan Garcia alleged an AI chatbot caused her 14-year-old son to detach from reality, instructing him to “please come home to me as soon as possible” minutes before his death.
The Anchor Research poll also found that 67% of Tennessee voters say the state should act now rather than wait on Congress and support fast action on the legislation.
“The risks of inaction extend beyond child safety. AI systems have already been used by adversaries in North Korea and China to attack American businesses and hospitals, and AI companies have acknowledged that their most advanced systems could soon help bad actors create biological weapons. HB 1898 / SB 2171 addresses these threats by requiring the largest AI companies to maintain safety protocols covering catastrophic risks and report serious incidents to authorities – all while letting companies determine for themselves how best to meet those obligations,” according to the release.
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