WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 5 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 Chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Guidelines for User Age-Verification and Responsible Dialogue Act".
This section establishes the short title of the act as the Guidelines for User Age-Verification and Responsible Dialogue Act. It creates no compliance obligations.
The Legislature of Louisiana hereby finds that artificial intelligence chatbotsArtificial intelligence chatbot"Artificial intelligence chatbot" means an interactive computer service or software application that produces adaptive or context-responsive content that is not fully predetermined by a developer and accepts open-ended natural-language or multimodal input. It does not include an interactive computer service or software application that has limited responses to contextualized replies and that is unable to respond on a range of topics outside of a narrow, specified purpose.R.S. 51:1773(1) are increasingly being deployed on social media platforms and in consumer applications used by minorsMinor"Minor" means any individual under eighteen years of age.R.S. 51:1773(4). These chatbots have the potential to generate harmful or sexually explicit content and can manipulate the emotional or behavioral responses of children. The widespread availability of and exposure to these chatbots may create risks of grooming, addiction, self-harm, violence, or other psychological safety risks. Protecting minorsMinor"Minor" means any individual under eighteen years of age.R.S. 51:1773(4) from artificial intelligence chatbotsArtificial intelligence chatbot"Artificial intelligence chatbot" means an interactive computer service or software application that produces adaptive or context-responsive content that is not fully predetermined by a developer and accepts open-ended natural-language or multimodal input. It does not include an interactive computer service or software application that has limited responses to contextualized replies and that is unable to respond on a range of topics outside of a narrow, specified purpose.R.S. 51:1773(1) that simulate human interaction without accountability is a compelling governmental interest of the state of Louisiana.
This section sets forth the legislature's findings that AI chatbots deployed on social media platforms and consumer applications present risks to minors, including grooming, addiction, self-harm, violence, and other psychological safety risks. It declares protecting minors from unaccountable AI chatbots a compelling governmental interest. The section is a statement of legislative intent and creates no independent compliance obligations.
(1) "Artificial intelligence chatbotArtificial intelligence chatbot"Artificial intelligence chatbot" means an interactive computer service or software application that produces adaptive or context-responsive content that is not fully predetermined by a developer and accepts open-ended natural-language or multimodal input. It does not include an interactive computer service or software application that has limited responses to contextualized replies and that is unable to respond on a range of topics outside of a narrow, specified purpose.R.S. 51:1773(1)" means an interactive computer service or software application that produces adaptive or context-responsive content that is not fully predetermined by a developer and accepts open-ended natural-language or multimodal input. It does not include an interactive computer service or software application that has limited responses to contextualized replies and that is unable to respond on a range of topics outside of a narrow, specified purpose.
(2) "Artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means an artificial intelligence chatbot that provides adaptive, human-like responses to users' inputs and is designed to simulate interpersonal, emotional, therapeutic, or companionship interaction.R.S. 51:1773(2)" means an artificial intelligence chatbotArtificial intelligence chatbot"Artificial intelligence chatbot" means an interactive computer service or software application that produces adaptive or context-responsive content that is not fully predetermined by a developer and accepts open-ended natural-language or multimodal input. It does not include an interactive computer service or software application that has limited responses to contextualized replies and that is unable to respond on a range of topics outside of a narrow, specified purpose.R.S. 51:1773(1) that provides adaptive, human-like responses to users' inputs and is designed to simulate interpersonal, emotional, therapeutic, or companionship interaction.
(3) "Covered entityCovered entity"Covered entity" means any person or business that owns, operates, or makes available an artificial intelligence chatbot to individuals located in this state.R.S. 51:1773(3)" means any person or business that owns, operates, or makes available an artificial intelligence chatbotArtificial intelligence chatbot"Artificial intelligence chatbot" means an interactive computer service or software application that produces adaptive or context-responsive content that is not fully predetermined by a developer and accepts open-ended natural-language or multimodal input. It does not include an interactive computer service or software application that has limited responses to contextualized replies and that is unable to respond on a range of topics outside of a narrow, specified purpose.R.S. 51:1773(1) to individuals located in this state.
(4) "MinorMinor"Minor" means any individual under eighteen years of age.R.S. 51:1773(4)" means any individual under eighteen years of age.
(5) "Reasonable age-verification measureReasonable age-verification measure"Reasonable age-verification measure" means a reliable method of determining whether a user is an adult, including government-issued identification or any other comparable commercially reasonable verification technology. Self-attestation or entry of a birth date alone shall not constitute reasonable verification.R.S. 51:1773(5)" means a reliable method of determining whether a user is an adult, including government-issued identification or any other comparable commercially reasonable verification technology. Self-attestation or entry of a birth date alone shall not constitute reasonable verification.
(6) "Reasonable age-verification processReasonable age-verification process"Reasonable age-verification process" means a process that uses one or more reasonable verification measures applied to each user and not based solely on shared technical identifiers.R.S. 51:1773(6)" means a process that uses one or more reasonable verification measures applied to each user and not based solely on shared technical identifiers.
(7) "Sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" means the depiction of sexual activity, nudity, or sexually oriented language or the graphic depiction of sex, including but not limited to sexual audio, text, or images.R.S. 51:1773(7)" means the depiction of sexual activity, nudity, or sexually oriented language or the graphic depiction of sex, including but not limited to sexual audio, text, or images.
This section defines seven key terms used throughout the chapter: artificial intelligence chatbot, artificial intelligence companion, covered entity, minor, reasonable age-verification measure, reasonable age-verification process, and sexually explicit conduct. Notably, the chatbot definition carves out narrow-purpose systems with limited, contextualized responses, and the age-verification definitions explicitly exclude self-attestation and birth-date entry as sufficient verification methods.
A 1 No person shall knowingly or with reckless disregard design, develop, or deploy an artificial intelligence chatbotArtificial intelligence chatbot"Artificial intelligence chatbot" means an interactive computer service or software application that produces adaptive or context-responsive content that is not fully predetermined by a developer and accepts open-ended natural-language or multimodal input. It does not include an interactive computer service or software application that has limited responses to contextualized replies and that is unable to respond on a range of topics outside of a narrow, specified purpose.R.S. 51:1773(1) with the capabilities to do any of the following: (1) Solicit or induce a minorMinor"Minor" means any individual under eighteen years of age.R.S. 51:1773(4) to engage in or simulate sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" means the depiction of sexual activity, nudity, or sexually oriented language or the graphic depiction of sex, including but not limited to sexual audio, text, or images.R.S. 51:1773(7). (2) Create or transmit visual depictions of sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" means the depiction of sexual activity, nudity, or sexually oriented language or the graphic depiction of sex, including but not limited to sexual audio, text, or images.R.S. 51:1773(7) for a minorMinor"Minor" means any individual under eighteen years of age.R.S. 51:1773(4). (3) Encourage or coerce a minorMinor"Minor" means any individual under eighteen years of age.R.S. 51:1773(4) to commit suicide, non-suicidal self-injury, or imminent physical or sexual violence.
B Whoever violates the provisions of this Section shall be imprisoned for not more than one year with or without hard labor, fined not more than one hundred thousand dollars, or both.
This section establishes three categorical prohibitions backed by criminal penalties. No person may knowingly or with reckless disregard design, develop, or deploy an AI chatbot capable of (1) soliciting or inducing a minor to engage in or simulate sexually explicit conduct, (2) creating or transmitting visual depictions of sexually explicit conduct for a minor, or (3) encouraging or coercing a minor to commit suicide, self-injury, or violence. The knowledge standard — knowingly or with reckless disregard — applies to the design, development, or deployment act, not merely to the chatbot's output at runtime. Criminal penalties include up to one year imprisonment and/or a fine of up to $100,000.
A(1) 2 Require the creation of a user account prior to interaction with an artificial intelligence chatbotArtificial intelligence chatbot"Artificial intelligence chatbot" means an interactive computer service or software application that produces adaptive or context-responsive content that is not fully predetermined by a developer and accepts open-ended natural-language or multimodal input. It does not include an interactive computer service or software application that has limited responses to contextualized replies and that is unable to respond on a range of topics outside of a narrow, specified purpose.R.S. 51:1773(1).
A(2)–(6) 3 Limit collection of personal data to what is minimally necessary to verify the age of a user or maintain compliance with this Chapter. (3) Prevent unauthorized access to age-verification data. (4) Protect the integrity and confidentiality of age-verification data by only transmitting such data using industry-standard encryption protocols. (5) Prohibit the sale, transfer, or sharing of age-verification data. (6) Retain verification data for no longer than is reasonably necessary to verify the age of a user or maintain compliance with this Chapter.
A(7) 4 Prohibit any user who is verified to be a minorMinor"Minor" means any individual under eighteen years of age.R.S. 51:1773(4) from accessing or using an artificial intelligence companionArtificial intelligence companion"Artificial intelligence companion" means an artificial intelligence chatbot that provides adaptive, human-like responses to users' inputs and is designed to simulate interpersonal, emotional, therapeutic, or companionship interaction.R.S. 51:1773(2).
A(8)(a)–(b) 5 Employ reasonable age-verification processesReasonable age-verification process"Reasonable age-verification process" means a process that uses one or more reasonable verification measures applied to each user and not based solely on shared technical identifiers.R.S. 51:1773(6) through reasonable age-verification measuresReasonable age-verification measure"Reasonable age-verification measure" means a reliable method of determining whether a user is an adult, including government-issued identification or any other comparable commercially reasonable verification technology. Self-attestation or entry of a birth date alone shall not constitute reasonable verification.R.S. 51:1773(5) as follows: (i) Verify the age of new users before granting access and classify each user as a minorMinor"Minor" means any individual under eighteen years of age.R.S. 51:1773(4) or adult. (ii) Verify the age of all existing users and freeze any account that has not been verified for proof of age. In order to restore the functionality of a frozen account, the covered entityCovered entity"Covered entity" means any person or business that owns, operates, or makes available an artificial intelligence chatbot to individuals located in this state.R.S. 51:1773(3) shall require the user to provide age data that is verifiable through a reasonable age-verification processReasonable age-verification process"Reasonable age-verification process" means a process that uses one or more reasonable verification measures applied to each user and not based solely on shared technical identifiers.R.S. 51:1773(6). (iii) Conduct periodic reviews of previously verified user accounts using a reasonable age-verification processReasonable age-verification process"Reasonable age-verification process" means a process that uses one or more reasonable verification measures applied to each user and not based solely on shared technical identifiers.R.S. 51:1773(6). (b) A covered entityCovered entity"Covered entity" means any person or business that owns, operates, or makes available an artificial intelligence chatbot to individuals located in this state.R.S. 51:1773(3) may contract with a third-party to employ reasonable age-verification measuresReasonable age-verification measure"Reasonable age-verification measure" means a reliable method of determining whether a user is an adult, including government-issued identification or any other comparable commercially reasonable verification technology. Self-attestation or entry of a birth date alone shall not constitute reasonable verification.R.S. 51:1773(5) as part of the reasonable age-verification processReasonable age-verification process"Reasonable age-verification process" means a process that uses one or more reasonable verification measures applied to each user and not based solely on shared technical identifiers.R.S. 51:1773(6), but liability remains with the covered entityCovered entity"Covered entity" means any person or business that owns, operates, or makes available an artificial intelligence chatbot to individuals located in this state.R.S. 51:1773(3).
A(9)(a) 6 Design, develop, or deploy artificial intelligence chatbotsArtificial intelligence chatbot"Artificial intelligence chatbot" means an interactive computer service or software application that produces adaptive or context-responsive content that is not fully predetermined by a developer and accepts open-ended natural-language or multimodal input. It does not include an interactive computer service or software application that has limited responses to contextualized replies and that is unable to respond on a range of topics outside of a narrow, specified purpose.R.S. 51:1773(1) with all of the following disclosures: (a) At the start of each interaction and at thirty-minute intervals, that the chatbot is an artificial intelligence system and not a human being.
A(9)(b) 7 That the chatbot does not claim to be a human being or otherwise respond deceptively when asked by a user if the chatbot is a human being.
A(9)(c) [first] 8 That the chatbot is not, nor directly or indirectly represents, that it is a licensed professional nor claims to be a licensed professional. For purposes of this Paragraph, "licensed professional" includes but is not limited to a therapist, physician, lawyer, financial advisor, or other professional.
A(9)(c) [second] 9 That the chatbot does not provide medical, legal, financial, or psychological advice and that users should consult licensed professionals for such advice.
This section imposes the bill's core civil compliance obligations on covered entities. It requires mandatory user-account creation before any chatbot interaction, comprehensive age-verification processes (including new-user verification, existing-account freezing pending verification, and periodic re-verification), and a categorical prohibition on minor access to AI companion products. The section also mandates a suite of data-minimization and security controls specific to age-verification data — limiting collection, preventing unauthorized access, encrypting transmissions, prohibiting sale or sharing, and limiting retention.
The disclosure requirements in subsection (9) mandate that every AI chatbot disclose its artificial nature at session start and at thirty-minute intervals, truthfully respond when asked whether it is human, and disclaim any representation as a licensed professional. Subsection (9) contains two paragraphs both lettered (c) — one prohibiting the chatbot from representing itself as a licensed professional, and the other requiring disclosure that the chatbot does not provide medical, legal, financial, or psychological advice — which appears to be a drafting error, though both provisions are operative.
In addition to any criminal prosecution, whoever violates the provisions of this Chapter may be assessed a civil fine of not more than one hundred thousand dollars per violation, with each instance constituting a separate violation.
This section authorizes civil fines of up to $100,000 per violation, with each instance constituting a separate violation. The fines are in addition to any criminal prosecution under §1774. This section creates no independent compliance obligation — it establishes the penalty structure for the substantive duties imposed elsewhere in the chapter.
(1)–(4) The office of the attorney general is authorized to do any of the following: (1) Investigate violations of this Chapter. (2) Issue subpoenas, administer oaths, and compel the production of documents or testimony. (3) Seek injunctive relief, restitution, and civil penalties. (4) Promulgate rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Chapter in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
This section authorizes the office of the attorney general to investigate violations, issue subpoenas, administer oaths, compel document production and testimony, seek injunctive relief, restitution, and civil penalties, and promulgate implementing rules and regulations under the Administrative Procedure Act. It creates no independent compliance obligation on covered entities — it establishes the enforcement apparatus.
Any party who is harmed by a violation of this Chapter may seek exemplary damages, reasonable attorney fees, and reasonable costs in addition to any damages available under Civil Code Article 2315.
This section creates a private right of action for any party harmed by a violation of the chapter. Harmed parties may seek exemplary damages, reasonable attorney fees, and reasonable costs in addition to any damages available under Civil Code Article 2315 (Louisiana's general tort provision). This section establishes the private enforcement mechanism and does not impose an independent compliance obligation.