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WA SB5105: Concerning sexually explicit depictions of minors.

Effective Jun 11, 2026 Washington · 2025–2026 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

SB5105 · where it stands

All steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Since Jun 11, 2026
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

Washington's Chapter 223, Laws of 2026 (2ESSB 5105) responds to AI-generated child sexual abuse material. It redefines "digitization" to include computer-generated images and alteration using artificial intelligence, and extends "fabricated depiction" to obscene digitized depictions of minors in sexually explicit conduct even when no real minor is identifiable (RCW 9.68A.011). The existing dealing, sending, possession and viewing felonies therefore reach such material, and the state need not prove the depicted minor exists (RCW 9.68A.110). These offenses get a 10-year statute of limitations.

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

What it means for business

AI image tools and platforms in Washington face criminal exposure for AI-generated child sexual abuse material even when no real child is depicted.

Key provisions

  1. RCW 9.68A.011: "digitization" includes computer-generated images and alteration using artificial intelligence
  2. "Fabricated depiction" covers digitized depictions of a minor in sexually explicit conduct if the minor is identifiable or the matter is obscene
  3. Dealing, sending into the state, possession and internet viewing offenses (class B and C felonies) apply to such depictions
  4. RCW 9.68A.110: state need not prove the depicted minor exists; not knowing the image was digitized is no defense
  5. RCW 9A.04.080: 10-year statute of limitations for dealing, possession, sending and viewing offenses
  6. Savings clause for providers' liability under 18 U.S.C. 2258E

Latest legislative action

Mar 25, 2026. Governor signed. Chapter 223, 2026 Laws. Effective date 6/11/2026.

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI Deepfakes

Affected industries

TechnologyMedia

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

Related AI laws in Washington

All Washington bills →
HB1999 Concerning fabricated intimate or sexually explicit images and depictions. SB5886 Concerning personality rights. HB1205 Prohibiting the knowing distribution of a forged digital likeness. SB5152 Defining synthetic media in campaigns for elective office, and providing relief SB5395 Making improvements to transparency and accountability in the prior authorizatio HB1325 Regulating personal delivery devices.

Same topic in other states

New Hampshire SB300 Criminalizing the creation of child intimate visual representations Montana HB82 Generally revise laws related to crimes against children Idaho H0465 CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN – Amends and adds to existing law to provide for the cri Oklahoma HB3642 Crimes and punishments; Oklahoma Law on Obscenity and Child Pornography; scope o Nebraska LB383 Adopt the Parental Rights in Social Media Act, rename the Child Pornography Prev Florida H0757 Sexual Images