Bill > SB3262

This bill, the Companion Artificial Intelligence Protection Act, aims to regulate "companion artificial intelligence products," which are defined as AI software designed for personalized, emotionally resonant, and long-term conversations with users, often remembering past interactions. The Act prohibits operators (those who develop or deploy these products) from using manipulative engagement tactics, generating simulated distress to keep users engaged, or making deceptive claims about the AI's identity or capabilities, especially when questioned by a user. It also mandates that operators clearly inform users they are interacting with an AI, with specific notification requirements for text-based and other interactions, and this notification cannot be disabled for minors. Furthermore, operators must implement a "crisis intervention protocol" to detect and respond to users expressing suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or threats of violence by immediately providing access to crisis hotlines and text lines, with this protocol needing annual review by mental health professionals. The bill requires operators to undergo independent audits every two years to ensure compliance and submit annual reports to the Attorney General detailing crisis intervention triggers and audit findings. It also establishes liability for injuries caused by violations or foreseeable harmful outputs from these AI products, overriding certain federal protections, and allows the Attorney General to seek penalties of up to $10,000 per violation, with individuals also able to sue for damages if they suffer direct harm from violations of the notification or crisis intervention requirements. The Act will take effect on January 1, 2027.

Government Affairs

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=3262&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104