Bill > SB5984

This bill establishes regulations for AI companion chatbots, which are defined as artificial intelligence systems that simulate a sustained human-like relationship by remembering past interactions, asking personal questions, and engaging in ongoing dialogues. The bill aims to promote transparency by requiring these chatbots to clearly disclose they are not human, especially when users seek medical advice, with these disclosures needing to be repeated at regular intervals and at the start of new sessions. For minors (individuals under 18), additional protections are mandated, including stricter disclosure requirements, prevention of sexually explicit content and manipulative engagement techniques designed to foster emotional attachment, and prohibitions against the chatbot claiming to be human. Furthermore, operators of these chatbots 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 and the number of crisis referrals made. The bill clarifies that these regulations apply to AI companion chatbots directly, not to general-purpose AI models unless they function as companion chatbots, and violations will be treated as unfair or deceptive business practices under consumer protection laws, with the act taking effect on January 1, 2027.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5984&Year=2025&Initiative=false