LA HB295: Prohibits the development of artificial intelligence systems with certain capabilities involving interactions with minors (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

In one paragraph

Louisiana's HB295, the Guidelines for User Age-Verification and Responsible Dialogue Act, would have made it a crime to knowingly or recklessly design, develop or deploy an AI chatbot able to solicit sexual conduct from minors, send them sexual images, or encourage suicide, self-injury or violence (up to 1 year and $100,000). It would also have required age verification, AI-companion bans for minors and recurring AI disclosures. It was referred to House Commerce March 9, 2026 and died.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

None: the bill died and never became law. Chatbot operators would have needed age verification, minor restrictions and disclosures, with criminal and civil exposure.

Key provisions

1. 1Criminal offense for any person who knowingly or with reckless disregard builds or deploys a chatbot with capabilities to sexualize or encourage self-harm or violence in minors: up to 1 year, with or without hard labor, a fine up to $100,000, or both (R.S. 51:1774)
2. 2Covered entities would have had to require user accounts, verify the age of all existing users and freeze unverified accounts, and bar verified minors from AI companions (51:1775)
3. 3Chatbots would have had to disclose they are AI at the start of each interaction and every 30 minutes, not deny being human, and not claim to be a licensed professional
4. 4Civil penalties up to $100,000 per violation, enforced by the Attorney General; harmed parties could sue for exemplary damages and attorney fees (51:1776-1778)
5. 5Would have taken effect on the governor's signature or lapse of time for action; no sunset

Latest legislative action

Mar 9, 2026. Read by title, under the rules, referred to the Committee on Commerce; died when the Louisiana Legislature's 2026 regular session ended

Sponsors