Chatbot Laws · verified Oct. 21, 2026
Operators of AI companions must have a protocol for user expressions of suicide, self-harm or harm to others that refers users to crisis services, and must tell users at the start and at least every three hours that they are not talking with a human. From July 1, 2027 they file annual reports with the Attorney General.
Who must comply
Operators that operate or provide an AI companion to users in Rhode Island. Customer-service, efficiency/research and internal business systems are excluded from the definition.
What it requires
| AI disclosure | Operator must give a clear and conspicuous notice, verbal or written, that the user is not communicating with a human, at the start of any interaction and at least every three hours during continuing interactions.When: At the start and at least every 3 hours§ 6-64-3 |
|---|---|
| Crisis protocol | Unlawful to operate an AI companion without a protocol for possible suicidal ideation, self-harm or physical harm to others that notifies the user and refers them to crisis services as soon as detected.§ 6-64-2(a) |
| Reporting | From July 1, 2027 operators file annual reports with the Attorney General including the number of safety-protocol activations; the Attorney General publishes aggregated data.§ 6-64-2(b) |
Enforcement
| Enforced by | Attorney General§ 6-64-4 |
|---|---|
| Private lawsuits | No |
| Penalties | Attorney General may investigate, sue and seek injunctions; civil penalties of up to $15,000 per day, directed to suicide prevention programs. |
Key dates
- AI companion crisis protocol and notice duties take effect
- Annual reports to the Attorney General begin
Related laws
- Rhode Island H 7349 / S 2197Oversight of Artificial Intelligence Technology in Mental Health Care ActIn effect since June 22, 2026
- New York S 3008-C / A 3008-CAI companion modelsIn effect since Nov. 5, 2025
Sources
- R.I. Public Law 2026 ch. 375 (H 7350 Sub A) Supports: text, enactment date, Jan 1, 2027 effective date.
- R.I. Public Law 2026 ch. 376 (S 2195 Sub A) Supports: companion public law with the same content.
- Rhode Island Legislative Status Report (search 2026 bills 7349, 7350, 2195, 2197) Supports: passage dates; transmitted to Governor June 18, 2026; signed by Governor June 22, 2026; chapter numbers.