Bill > HB143

This bill expands the crime of endangering the welfare of a child by making it illegal for owners or operators of certain online services, including artificial intelligence (AI) chat programs and large language models, to knowingly direct communications to a child with the intent to facilitate, encourage, offer, solicit, or recommend that the child engage in sexually explicit conduct, illegal drug or alcohol use, self-harm or suicide, or violent crimes against others. This new provision, effective January 1, 2026, also creates a private right of action, allowing children, their parents, or their next friends to sue for damages, with a minimum of $1,000 in liquidated damages per violation, and grants the attorney general the sole right to bring legal action after providing notice and an opportunity to cure violations. Importantly, this bill includes exceptions for cloud service providers, telecommunications providers, and AI programs that are integral to video games or other interactive entertainment experiences.