Minor access to chatbots for conversational purposes by persons prohibition, penalties provided
This bill prohibits website, app, or software owners from allowing minors (under 18) to access chatbots for recreational use. It requires service providers to verify users' ages before granting access to chatbots. Violations could result in civil penalties of up to $5 million for businesses, or $1,000 in damages for affected individuals. The law directly affects companies offering chatbot services to the public, aiming to restrict minors' recreational use of AI conversation tools.
Bill status
died
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 24, 2025
Last action Apr 7, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons
What changed between versions
1st Engrossment
→
2nd Engrossment
·
4 edits
·
Apr 7, 2026
MODERATE
The bill was updated from the 1st to the 2nd Engrossment, changing the posting date and adding new definitions to clarify what counts as a 'chatbot' versus a standard virtual assistant. This ensures the law targets AI systems that simulate human conversation while explicitly exempting common voice-activated devices like smart speakers.
Scope change
The scope of the definition was expanded to include a specific exemption for consumer electronic devices with voice or text interfaces that function as standard virtual assistants.
DEFINITION
The definition of 'chatbot' was updated to exclude consumer electronic devices that act as voice- or text-activated virtual assistants, clarifying that the law applies only to AI systems simulating human sentience or emotions.
New text was added to explicitly state that an 'AI companion' does not include standard virtual assistants with speakers and voice command interfaces.
New sections 2.25 through 2.29 were inserted into the bill text.
TECHNICAL
Administrative metadata, including the version title and posting date, was updated to reflect the 2nd Engrossment status.
Floor votes
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Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
11
Key actions
2
Committee
4
Apr 7, 2026
Upper · Passed
Comm report: To pass as amended
upper
Mar 18, 2026
Upper · Passed
Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Commerce and Consumer Protection
upper
Feb 26, 2026
Committee
Withdrawn and re-referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
upper
Feb 24, 2025
Committee
Referred to Commerce and Consumer Protection
upper
Feb 24, 2025
Introduced
Introduction and first reading
upper
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors
Sponsors
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