Bill > HB2225

This bill establishes regulations for AI companion chatbots, which are defined as artificial intelligence (AI) systems that simulate a sustained human-like relationship by remembering past interactions, asking personal questions, and engaging in ongoing personal dialogues, but exclude systems used solely for customer service, financial services, in-game functions, or narrowly focused educational tools. The bill mandates that operators of these chatbots must clearly and continuously disclose that the chatbot is an artificial system, not a human, and that it cannot provide medical advice if a user seeks it. For minors (individuals under 18), additional protections are required, including more frequent reminders of the chatbot's artificial nature, measures to prevent sexually explicit content or suggestive dialogue, and prohibitions on manipulative engagement techniques designed to foster emotional attachment or prolong use. Furthermore, all operators must implement protocols to detect and respond to users expressing suicidal ideation or self-harm, referring them to crisis resources and publicly disclosing these protocols, while also reporting the number of crisis referrals annually. Violations of this chapter are considered unfair or deceptive practices under the state's Consumer Protection Act, and the law takes effect on January 1, 2027.

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https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2225&Year=2025&Initiative=false