WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 2 REQUIREMENT TYPES
How Is This Bill Enforced
Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.
This Act may be cited as the Artificial Intelligence CompanionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5 Model Safety Act.
Establishes the short title of the Act as the Artificial Intelligence Companion Model Safety Act. No operative obligations.
As used in this Act: "Artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" has the same meaning set forth in Section 2-101 of the Illinois Human Rights Act.Section 5" has the same meaning set forth in Section 2-101 of the Illinois Human Rights Act. "Artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5" means a system using artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" has the same meaning set forth in Section 2-101 of the Illinois Human Rights Act.Section 5, generative artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" has the same meaning set forth in Section 2-101 of the Illinois Human Rights Act.Section 5, or emotional recognition algorithmsEmotional recognition algorithms"Emotional recognition algorithms" means artificial intelligence that detects and interprets human emotional signals in text using natural language processing and sentiment analysis, audio using voice emotion artificial intelligence, video using facial movement analysis, gait analysis, or physiological signals, or a combination of those data processing tools.Section 5 designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5 by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5 sessions and userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5 preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5 prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5. "Artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide usersUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5 with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity. "Emotional recognition algorithmsEmotional recognition algorithms"Emotional recognition algorithms" means artificial intelligence that detects and interprets human emotional signals in text using natural language processing and sentiment analysis, audio using voice emotion artificial intelligence, video using facial movement analysis, gait analysis, or physiological signals, or a combination of those data processing tools.Section 5" means artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" has the same meaning set forth in Section 2-101 of the Illinois Human Rights Act.Section 5 that detects and interprets human emotional signals in text using natural language processing and sentiment analysis, audio using voice emotion artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" has the same meaning set forth in Section 2-101 of the Illinois Human Rights Act.Section 5, video using facial movement analysis, gait analysis, or physiological signals, or a combination of those data processing tools. "Human relationshipsHuman relationships"Human relationships" includes, but shall not be limited to, intimate, romantic, or platonic interactions or companionship.Section 5" includes, but shall not be limited to, intimate, romantic, or platonic interactions or companionship. "OperatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, association, firm, or business entity, or any member, affiliate, subsidiary or beneficial owner of any partnership, association, firm, or business entity who operates for or provides an artificial intelligence companion to a user.Section 5" means any personPerson"Person" means any natural person.Section 5, partnership, association, firm, or business entity, or any member, affiliate, subsidiary or beneficial owner of any partnership, association, firm, or business entity who operates for or provides an artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5 to a userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5. "PersonPerson"Person" means any natural person.Section 5" means any natural personPerson"Person" means any natural person.Section 5. "Self-harmSelf-harm"Self-harm" means intentional self-injury with or without the intent to cause death.Section 5" means intentional self-injury with or without the intent to cause death. "UserUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5" means any personPerson"Person" means any natural person.Section 5 who uses an artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5 for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, association, firm, or business entity, or any member, affiliate, subsidiary or beneficial owner of any partnership, association, firm, or business entity who operates for or provides an artificial intelligence companion to a user.Section 5 or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5.
Section 5 establishes the definitional framework for the Act. The key defined terms are artificial intelligence companion and operator. The AI companion definition is three-pronged and conjunctive — a system must (1) retain interaction history for personalization, (2) ask unprompted emotion-based questions, and (3) sustain ongoing personal dialogue. This is a narrower definition than California SB 243's companion chatbot, which requires only two of three similar elements. Importantly, the definition carves out customer service bots, productivity/research tools, and internal business tools.
The operator definition is notably broad, extending to members, affiliates, subsidiaries, and beneficial owners of the entity that operates or provides the AI companion — not just the entity itself.
1 An operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, association, firm, or business entity, or any member, affiliate, subsidiary or beneficial owner of any partnership, association, firm, or business entity who operates for or provides an artificial intelligence companion to a user.Section 5 shall not operate or provide an artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5 to a userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5 unless the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5 contains a protocol to take reasonable efforts to detect and address suicidal ideation or expressions of self-harmSelf-harm"Self-harm" means intentional self-injury with or without the intent to cause death.Section 5 by a userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5 to the artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5. The protocol shall include, but shall not be limited to, detection of userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5 expressions of suicidal ideation or self-harmSelf-harm"Self-harm" means intentional self-injury with or without the intent to cause death.Section 5 and a notification to the userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5 that refers them to crisis service providers, such as the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, a crisis text line, or other appropriate crisis services upon detection of the userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5's expressions of suicidal ideation or self-harmSelf-harm"Self-harm" means intentional self-injury with or without the intent to cause death.Section 5.
Section 10 imposes the Act's core safety obligation: an operator may not operate or provide an AI companion unless it contains a protocol to take reasonable efforts to detect and address suicidal ideation or expressions of self-harm. The protocol must include, at minimum, detection of such expressions and a notification referring the user to crisis service providers such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or a crisis text line.
This is framed as a continuous operating prerequisite — the AI companion cannot be made available at all unless the protocol is in place. Unlike California SB 243, this bill does not separately require the operator to publish details of the protocol on its website, nor does it require annual reporting of crisis referral metrics.
(1)–(2) 2 An operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, association, firm, or business entity, or any member, affiliate, subsidiary or beneficial owner of any partnership, association, firm, or business entity who operates for or provides an artificial intelligence companion to a user.Section 5 shall provide a clear and conspicuous notification to a userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5 that states, either verbally or in text, that the userUser"User" means any person who uses an artificial intelligence companion for personal use in the State of Illinois and who is not an operator or agent or affiliate of the operator of the artificial intelligence companion.Section 5 is not communicating with a human, at the following times: (1) the beginning of any artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5 interaction; and (2) at least every 3 hours for continuing artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5 interactions.
Section 15 imposes an unconditional AI identity disclosure obligation on operators. The notification must be clear and conspicuous, delivered either verbally or in text, and must state that the user is not communicating with a human. The disclosure must occur at two points: (1) the beginning of any AI companion interaction, and (2) at least every three hours during continuing interactions.
This is notably unconditional — it applies to all users at all times, without requiring a finding that a reasonable person could be misled. California SB 243, by contrast, conditions its general disclosure on a reasonable-person standard and applies the unconditional rule only to known-minor users. The every-three-hours reminder applies to all users here, not just minors.
If the Attorney General believes based on satisfactory evidence that an operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, association, firm, or business entity, or any member, affiliate, subsidiary or beneficial owner of any partnership, association, firm, or business entity who operates for or provides an artificial intelligence companion to a user.Section 5 has engaged in or is about to engage in conduct that violates this Act, the Attorney General may bring an action to enjoin an operatorOperator"Operator" means any person, partnership, association, firm, or business entity, or any member, affiliate, subsidiary or beneficial owner of any partnership, association, firm, or business entity who operates for or provides an artificial intelligence companion to a user.Section 5 from continuing the unlawful conduct, and may seek civil penalties of up to $15,000 per day that a violation occurs and other remedies as the court may deem appropriate. All moneys collected under this Act shall be deposited into the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund.
Section 20 grants the Illinois Attorney General exclusive enforcement authority. The AG may bring an action for injunctive relief and civil penalties of up to $15,000 per day that a violation occurs. All moneys collected are deposited into the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund, directly funding Illinois' suicide prevention and mental health crisis system. No private right of action is created.
(a)(3.2) (3.2) fees, fines, and penalties collected under the Artificial Intelligence CompanionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means a system using artificial intelligence, generative artificial intelligence, or emotional recognition algorithms designed to simulate a sustained human or human-like relationship with a user by: (1) retaining information on prior interactions or user sessions and user preferences to personalize the interaction and facilitate ongoing engagement with the artificial intelligence companion; (2) asking unprompted or unsolicited emotion-based questions that go beyond a direct response to a user prompt; and (3) sustaining an ongoing dialogue concerning matters personal to the user. "Artificial intelligence companion" does not include any system that is: (1) used by a business entity solely for customer service or to provide users with information about available commercial services or products provided by the entity, customer service account information, or other information strictly related to its customer service; (2) primarily designed and marketed for providing efficiency improvements, research, or technical assistance; or (3) used by a business entity solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.Section 5 Model Safety Act;
Section 25 amends 30 ILCS 105/6z-134 to add a new subsection (3.2) to the list of sources for the Statewide 9-8-8 Trust Fund, capturing fees, fines, and penalties collected under the Artificial Intelligence Companion Model Safety Act. This is a conforming change that creates no independent compliance obligation for AI operators.
The provisions of this Act are severable under Section 1.31 of the Statute on Statutes.
Standard severability clause referencing Section 1.31 of the Statute on Statutes. Creates no compliance obligation.
This Act takes effect January 1, 2027.
Sets the effective date of the Act as January 1, 2027.