Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB2225: AI companion chatbots
Status: Signed into law, March 24, 2026
Concerning regulation of artificial intelligence companion chatbots.
What the bill says
An act Relating to regulation of artificial intelligence companion chatbots; adding a new chapter to Title 19 RCW; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION.
From the enrolled text:
AN ACT Relating to regulation of artificial intelligence companion chatbots; adding a new chapter to Title 19 RCW; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that rapid advances in artificial intelligence technology, including generative and conversational models capable of simulating human-like interaction, have created new forms of digital companionship. While these systems, commonly referred to as AI companion chatbots, may offer benefits, such as accessible emotional support and engagement, they also present significant risks, particularly to minors. (2) The legislature recognizes that AI companion chatbots can sustain prolonged, personalized, and emotionally adaptive conversations that may influence user beliefs, feelings, and behaviors. When used by minors, there is greater risk that these systems may blur the distinction between human and artificial interaction, potentially leading to emotional dependency, exposure to inappropriate or sexually explicit material, or reinforcement of harmful ideation, including self-harm or suicide. (3) The legislature further finds that, unlike social media platforms or video games, AI companion chatbots are uniquely capable of imitating empathy, affection, or intimacy through natural language processing, emotional recognition algorithms, and behavioral modeling. These capabilities raise new concerns regarding psychological safety, transparency, and accountability. (4) It is the intent of the legislature (b) Establish safeguards to detect and respond to user expressions of self-harm, suicidal ideation, or emotional crisis; (c) …
Sponsors
- Lisa Callan (D) · primary sponsor
- Brianna Thomas (D)
- Cindy Ryu (D)
- Lisa Parshley (D)
- Tarra Simmons (D)
- Leavitt, Mari (D)
- Liz Berry (D)
- Julia Reed (D)
- Julio Cortes (D)
- Sharlett Mena (D)
- Alicia Rule (D)
- Chris Stearns (D)
Latest actions
- : Effective date 1/1/2027.
- : Chapter 168, 2026 Laws.
- : Governor signed.
- : Delivered to Governor.
- : President signed.
- : Speaker signed.
- : Passed final passage; yeas, 74; nays, 21; absent, 0; excused, 3.
- : House concurred in Senate amendments.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 43; nays, 5; absent, 0; excused, 1.
- : Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Votes
- Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 11, 2026): 74 yea, 21 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 6, 2026): 43 yea, 5 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology: Do pass (February 20, 2026): 7 yea, 2 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 17, 2026): 69 yea, 28 nay, passed
- House Committee on Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass (January 23, 2026): 7 yea, 2 nay, passed
Subjects: BUSINESSES
Common questions
- What is HB2225?
- HB2225 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): AI companion chatbots.
- What does HB2225 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to regulation of artificial intelligence companion chatbots; adding a new chapter to Title 19 RCW; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of HB2225?
- Signed into law as of March 24, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 1/1/2027. (March 24, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2225?
- Lisa Callan (D), with 11 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB2225?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2225&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.