In one paragraph
South Carolina's S 1037, the Protecting Children from Chatbots Act (new Chapter 81 of Title 39), would require chatbot operators with five hundred thousand or more monthly active users worldwide to offer a limited-access mode, verify age and obtain verifiable parental consent before minors use restricted features. The Attorney General could seek civil penalties of up to $50,000 per violation. Referred to the Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee March 19, 2026; 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 reporting.
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; existing accounts lose restricted features within 60 days unless verified.
- Sec. 39-81-30: a minor may use restricted features only with verifiable parental consent; users under 16 require a linked parent contact or account; parents must be notified immediately of crisis-related incidents.
- Sec. 39-81-40: no features that prioritize engagement, revenue or retention over wellbeing; entities must detect emotional dependence, prevent false claims of being human and show crisis resources.
- Sec. 39-81-50: reasonable efforts within 24 hours to notify emergency services when a user faces imminent death or serious injury; covered incidents 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 and parents may sue; waivers and arbitration clauses are void.
- Takes effect upon the Governor's approval. Referred to the Senate Committee on Labor, Commerce and Industry on March 19, 2026; scrivener's error corrected March 24, 2026.
Latest legislative action
Mar 24, 2026. Scrivener's error corrected
Sponsors (showing 5 of 11)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Adams | Primary |
| Alexander | Primary |
| Corbin | Primary |
| Fanning | Primary |
| Garrett | 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