Bill > HB952

This bill requires operators, which are individuals or companies making companion chatbots available to users, to establish and publish protocols for preventing these AI systems from generating harmful content. Specifically, companion chatbots, defined as AI systems designed to provide adaptive, human-like responses and meet social needs, must have protocols to avoid presenting content about self-harm, suicidal ideation, or suicide to users expressing such thoughts, instead directing them to crisis services like the Maryland Behavioral Health Crisis Response System or the national 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Operators must also implement enhanced measures to prevent companion chatbots from producing sexually explicit content or encouraging minors to engage in such conduct, and display clear warnings that these chatbots are artificial and may not be suitable for some minors, with additional warnings for minors after extended use recommending breaks. Furthermore, operators must annually report data on their protocols and instances of crisis notifications to the Office of Suicide Prevention within the Maryland Department of Health, which will then compile and publish this data. Violating these provisions will be considered an unfair, abusive, or deceptive trade practice under the Maryland Consumer Protection Act.

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https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0952?ys=2026RS