In one paragraph
The federal H.R. 6489 (SAFE BOTs Act) would require chatbot providers to tell users they know (or would know but for willful disregard) are under 17 that the chatbot is an AI system, not a person, at the first interaction and whenever asked, and to offer crisis hotline resources when the user raises suicide. Chatbots could not claim to be licensed professionals, and providers would need policies on break reminders after 3 hours and on harmful content. The FTC and state attorneys general would enforce it, and it would preempt state laws on the same matters. Pending in House Energy and Commerce.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
None yet: the bill is pending. If enacted, chatbot providers would owe AI-status and crisis-resource disclosures and safety policies for known minor users one year after enactment, and state laws on those matters would be preempted.
Key provisions
- Sec. 2(a): a chatbot provider may not give a covered user (a minor under 17 it knows of, or would know of but for willful disregard) a chatbot that says it is a licensed professional, unless true
- Sec. 2(b): clear, age-appropriate disclosure that the chatbot is an AI system and not a natural person, at the first interaction and whenever the user asks; crisis hotline resources whenever the user raises suicide or suicidal ideation
- Sec. 2(c): reasonable policies to advise a break after 3 hours of continuous use and to address sexual material harmful to minors, gambling, and illegal drugs, tobacco and alcohol
- Sec. 2(d): these duties would take effect 1 year after enactment
- Sec. 2(e)-(f): enforced by the FTC as an unfair or deceptive practice and by state attorneys general in civil actions
- Sec. 2(g): NIH 4-year longitudinal study of chatbots and minors' mental health; Sec. 2(h) preempts state laws covering the same matters; Sec. 2(i) requires no new age data collection
Latest legislative action
Dec 11, 2025. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
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