In one paragraph
Virginia's SB 796 (2026 Regular Session) would create the Artificial Intelligence Chatbots and Minors Act. Covered entities would have to implement reasonable systems and processes, try to notify emergency services of imminent risk and report covered incidents to the Attorney General. Passed the Senate 39-1; continued to 2027 in the House on March 2, 2026.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Not law. If enacted, covered chatbot operators would need safety processes, emergency notification, incident reports to the Attorney General and non-human disclosures.
Key provisions
- In the House committee substitute offered March 2, 2026, a covered entity is a chatbot operator with 500,000 or more monthly active users worldwide, excluding tools not offered to the public and customer-service chatbots
- Covered entities would have to implement certain reasonable systems and processes and make reasonable efforts to notify emergency services or law enforcement on knowledge that a user faces imminent risk of death or serious physical injury
- Covered entities would have to report to the Attorney General after learning of certain covered incidents connected to their chatbots (the House substitute lists death, suicide attempt, self-harm requiring medical attention and similar harms)
- Operators would have to disclose the chatbot's non-human nature to users at certain intervals
- The Attorney General may seek an injunction and civil penalties; a harmed person, or a minor's parent or guardian, may sue
- Status: passed Senate 39-Y 1-N on Feb. 17, 2026; continued to 2027 in House Communications, Technology and Innovation on March 2, 2026
Latest legislative action
Mar 2, 2026. Continued to 2027 in Communications, Technology and Innovation (Voice Vote)
Sponsors (showing 5 of 16)
| Name | Role |
|---|---|
| Christopher T. Head | Primary |
| Glen H. Sturtevant, Jr. | Primary |
| Lynwood W. Lewis, Jr. | Primary |
| Ryan T. McDougle R | Primary |
| Surovell | Primary |
Roll call votes (showing 3 of 13)
Reconsider: R Feb 17, 2026
40 yea0 nayPassed
Passage R Feb 17, 2026
39 yea1 nayPassed
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 3rd reading) Feb 17, 2026
40 yea0 nayPassed
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