Chatbot Laws Which laws apply?

New Hampshire / Minors

HB 143

Criminalizing and creating a private right of action for the facilitation, encouragement, offer, solicitation, or recommendation of certain acts or actions through a responsive generative communication to a child

In effectSince Jan. 1, 2026

Chatbot Laws · verified Oct. 21, 2026

Operators of AI chat services that exist to hold open-ended AI conversations commit an offense if, when messaging a child, they know the message is meant to push the child toward sexual conduct, drugs or alcohol, self-harm or suicide, or violent crime. The operator also faces civil liability.

Who must comply

Owners or operators of online services, including chatbots and character AI, whose sole purpose is open-ended generative AI communication. Cloud and telecom providers (for others' content) and AI characters incidental to games, TV, streaming or film are excluded.

What it requires

MinorsOperator is liable when, at the time it directs a communication to a child, it knows the communication is meant to push the child to imminently engage in sexually explicit conduct, making a sexual depiction, illegal drug or alcohol use, self-harm or suicide, or a violent crime. The offense statute covers children under 18; the civil section sets no age.RSA 639:3, III-a; RSA 507:8-k, I

Enforcement

Enforced byAttorney General and Criminal prosecutionRSA 639:3, V; RSA 507:8-k
Private lawsuitsNot stated
PenaltiesCriminal: a misdemeanor (RSA 639:3, V). Civil: the Attorney General may sue for damages proximately caused to the child, at least $1,000 in liquidated damages per violation, or for an injunction (RSA 507:8-k, II-III).
Cure periodAttorney General must give written notice and 90 days for satisfactory assurances of cure before suing (RSA 507:8-k, II)

Key dates

  1. Chatbot child-endangerment offense and civil liability take effect

Note

Parts of the statute say the operator is liable to the child or parent, while another part gives the Attorney General the sole right to sue. Whether families can sue directly is unclear from the text.

Sources

  1. NH General Court HB 143 bill status Supports: signing Aug 1, 2025, Chapter 270, effective Jan 1, 2026.
  2. RSA 507:8-k Supports: civil liability, AG notice, $1,000.
  3. RSA 639:3 Supports: offense text and penalty grade.
  4. Committee of conference report 2025-2843c Supports: replacement text adopted by both chambers.
  5. RSA 625:9 Supports: Default misdemeanor class.

Questions

When does New Hampshire HB 143 take effect?

January 1, 2026: Chatbot child-endangerment offense and civil liability take effect. It is in effect as of November 4, 2026.

Who does New Hampshire HB 143 apply to?

Owners or operators of online services, including chatbots and character AI, whose sole purpose is open-ended generative AI communication. Cloud and telecom providers (for others' content) and AI characters incidental to games, TV, streaming or film are excluded.

Who enforces New Hampshire HB 143?

Attorney General and Criminal prosecution. Penalties: Criminal: a misdemeanor (RSA 639:3, V). Civil: the Attorney General may sue for damages proximately caused to the child, at least $1,000 in liquidated damages per violation, or for an injunction (RSA 507:8-k, II-III).