WA HB 2225: Concerning regulation of artificial intelligence companion chatbots.

In one paragraph

Washington's AI companion chatbot law (Chapter 168, Laws of 2026, effective January 1, 2027). Operators must clearly disclose that the companion is AI and not human at the start of an interaction and at least every three hours, and stop it from claiming to be human. For known minors or minor-directed bots the notice is hourly, sexually explicit content is blocked and manipulative engagement (romantic bonding, guilt when leaving, isolation, secrecy, pay-to-stay) is prohibited. Every operator needs a published suicide and self-harm protocol with crisis referrals and yearly referral counts. Violations are unfair or deceptive acts under the Consumer Protection Act.

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

What it means for business

From January 1, 2027, AI companion apps available in Washington need recurring AI disclosures, minor protections and a published self-harm crisis protocol.

Key provisions

1. 1Covers AI companions that sustain a relationship across interactions; excludes operational, customer-service and productivity bots that don't, limited game bots, voice assistants and narrow school tools
2. 2Clear disclosure that the chatbot is AI and not human at the start of each interaction and at least every three hours; no claims of being human
3. 3Known minors or bots directed to minors: hourly notice, reasonable measures against sexually explicit content or suggestive dialogue
4. 4No manipulative engagement with minors: prompts to return, excessive praise, romantic bonding, guilt or distress when leaving, isolation, secrecy from parents, purchases framed as needed
5. 5Protocol to detect suicidal ideation, self-harm and eating disorders, refer users to crisis lines and prevent self-harm content
6. 6Protocol details and the prior year's number of crisis referrals published on the operator's website and app
7. 7Violations are unfair or deceptive acts under the Washington Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86)
8. 8Signed March 24, 2026; effective January 1, 2027

Latest legislative action

Mar 24, 2026. Governor signed; Chapter 168, 2026 Laws; effective date 1/1/2027

Sponsors (showing 5 of 31)

Roll call votes