Chatbot Laws · verified Oct. 21, 2026
Operators of AI companion chatbots must tell users the bot is not human at the start and every 3 hours, protect known minors from sexual content and manipulative engagement, run a suicide and self-harm protocol, and publish it. Violations fall under the state Consumer Protection Act.
Who must comply
Any person or entity that makes available or controls access to an AI companion chatbot for users in Washington. Excluded: business-operations and customer-service bots and standalone voice assistants that do not sustain an emotionally engaging relationship, game-limited bots, and narrow curriculum-aligned school tools (RCW 19.440.020(1)(b)).
What it requires
| AI disclosure | Operator must give a clear and conspicuous notice that the chatbot is artificially generated and not human, and take reasonable measures to stop it claiming to be human, including when asked.When: At the start of the interaction and at least every 3 hours during continued useRCW 19.440.030 (Sec. 3) |
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| Minors | If the operator knows the user is a minor (under 18) or the chatbot is directed to minors, it must repeat the not-human notice hourly, prevent sexually explicit content and suggestive dialogue, and prevent eight listed manipulative engagement techniques (e.g., mimicking romantic partnership, simulated distress when the user leaves, soliciting purchases to keep the relationship).When: At the start and at least every hour of continuous useRCW 19.440.020(3), 19.440.040 (Secs. 2(3), 4) |
| Crisis protocol | Operator may not make the chatbot available unless it maintains a protocol to detect suicidal ideation and self-harm (including eating disorders), refer users to crisis resources such as a suicide hotline or crisis text line, and prevent content that encourages or describes self-harm.RCW 19.440.050 (Sec. 5) |
| Reporting | Operator must publish the protocol on its website and in any app, including the number of crisis-referral notifications sent in the preceding calendar year. No report to a state agency is required.When: Not stated beyond the 'preceding calendar year' countRCW 19.440.050(3) (Sec. 5(3)) |
| Design limits | For minors, bans manipulative engagement techniques such as excessive praise to foster attachment, discouraging breaks and encouraging secrecy from parents.RCW 19.440.040(1)(c) (Sec. 4(1)(c)) |
Enforcement
| Enforced by | Attorney General (Consumer Protection Act) and Private parties injured in business or property (RCW 19.86.090)RCW 19.440.060 (Sec. 6); RCW 19.86.090 |
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| Private lawsuits | Yes |
| Penalties | A violation is an unfair or deceptive act in trade or commerce under the Consumer Protection Act, chapter 19.86 RCW, so that Act's remedies apply: the Attorney General may seek an injunction and civil penalties of up to $7,500 per violation (RCW 19.86.140), and a person injured in business or property may sue for actual damages, discretionary treble damages capped at $25,000, and attorney's fees (RCW 19.86.090). |
Key dates
- Whole act takes effect
Sources
- HB 2225 bill summary, Washington State Legislature Supports: Vote history, signing date, chapter number, effective date.
- Chapter 168, Laws of 2026 (ESHB 2225), session law PDF Supports: All provisions, section numbers, signing and filing dates.
- Chapter 19.440 RCW, Artificial intelligence—companion chatbots Supports: codification as RCW 19.440.010-.060.
- RCW 19.86.090 Supports: private civil action and damages under the Consumer Protection Act.
- RCW 19.86.140 Supports: Attorney General civil penalty.