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Bill > LD2162
ME LD2162
ME LD2162An Act to Regulate and Prevent Children's Access to Artificial Intelligence Chatbots with Human-like Features and Social Artificial Intelligence Companions
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
132nd Legislature
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits operators and distributors of artificial intelligence chatbots and social artificial intelligence companions from making accessible to minors any chatbots or social artificial intelligence companions that have human-like features. A chatbot with human-like features means a chatbot that behaves in a way that conveys humanity, sentience, emotions or desires; attempts to build an emotional relationship with the user; or impersonates a real individual, living or dead. The bill provides an exemption for therapy chatbots, as long as a licensed mental health professional prescribes and monitors the minor's use of the therapy chatbot and the therapy chatbot and its developers adhere to additional required safeguards. The bill places limitations on an operator and distributor's collection and storage of user information and requires an operator and distributor to implement and maintain systems to detect and respond to situations in which a user indicates that the user intends to harm the user or another person. The bill allows the Attorney General to bring a civil action against a person that violates the provisions of this legislation and also provides a private right of action that a minor or the minor's guardian may bring on the minor's behalf.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits companies that operate or distribute artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and social AI companions from making them accessible to minors if they have "human-like features," which means the AI behaves in a way that suggests it has feelings, emotions, or desires, tries to form an emotional bond with the user, or pretends to be a real person. An exception is made for "therapy chatbots" (AI designed for mental health support) if a licensed mental health professional prescribes and monitors their use by a minor, and the AI and its developers meet specific safety and transparency requirements. The bill also requires these companies to limit the collection and storage of user information and to have systems in place to detect and respond to users who indicate they intend to harm themselves or others. Violations can lead to civil action by the Attorney General, with penalties including fines, and individuals, including minors or their guardians, can sue for damages or other relief.
Committee Categories
Health and Social Services
Sponsors (9)
Lori Gramlich (D)*,
Donna Bailey (D),
Michael Brennan (D),
Ryan Fecteau (D),
Robert Foley (R),
Kristi Mathieson (D),
Matthew Moonen (D),
Teresa Pierce (D),
Melanie Sachs (D),
Last Action
In concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH. (on 01/13/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=2162&snum=132 |
| BillText | https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/getPDF.asp?paper=HP1451&item=1&snum=132 |
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