In one paragraph
South Carolina's H 5476, the Protecting Children from Chatbots Act (new Chapter 81 of Title 39), would require chatbot operators with 500,000 or more monthly active users to offer a limited-access mode, verify users' ages and obtain verifiable parental consent before minors use restricted features. The Attorney General could seek civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation. Introduced March 31, 2026 and referred to the House Judiciary Committee; it has not passed either chamber.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None yet: the bill has not been enacted. Chatbot operators with 500,000 or more monthly active users worldwide would need age verification, parental consent for minors, crisis protocols and incident reports.
Key provisions
- Sec. 39-81-20: covered entities must offer a limited-access mode, require an account and age verification before enabling restricted features, and delete age-verification data within 24 hours (a record of minor status may be kept).
- Sec. 39-81-30: a minor may use restricted features only on an authorized account with verifiable parental consent; for users under 16 the parent must give contact information or link a parental account.
- Sec. 39-81-40: entities may not design features that prioritize engagement, revenue or retention over user wellbeing, and must reduce emotional dependence, prevent false claims of being human and show crisis resources to users in suicidal or acute crisis.
- Sec. 39-81-50: when an entity knows a user faces imminent risk of death or serious injury it must make reasonable efforts within 24 hours to notify emergency services; covered incidents must be reported to the Attorney General within 15 days.
- Sec. 39-81-60: the Attorney General may seek injunctions and civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation, each day separate; harmed persons may sue for damages and punitive damages for willful, reckless or grossly negligent violations.
- Takes effect upon approval by the Governor. Referred to the House Committee on Judiciary on March 31, 2026.
Latest legislative action
Mar 31, 2026. Referred to Committee on Judiciary
Sponsors (showing 5 of 125)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| A.M. Morgan | Primary |
| Alexander | Primary |
| Anderson | Primary |
| Atkinson | Primary |
| B. Newton | Primary |
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error