WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 4 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.
(a)–(g) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given. (b) "Artificial intelligence systemArtificial intelligence system"Artificial intelligence system" or "AI system" means any machine-based system that, for any explicit or implicit object, infers from the inputs the system receives how to generate outputs including content, decisions, predictions, or recommendations that influence a physical or virtual environment. Artificial intelligence does not include any software used primarily for basic computerized processes, such as antimalware or antivirus software, autocorrect functions, calculators, databases, data storage, electronic communications, firewall systems, Internet domain registration, Internet website loading, networking, spam and robocall filtering, spellcheck tools, spreadsheets, web caching, web hosting, or any tool that relates only to internal management affairs such as ordering office supplies or processing payments.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(b)" or "AI system" means any machine-based system that, for any explicit or implicit object, infers from the inputs the system receives how to generate outputs including content, decisions, predictions, or recommendations that influence a physical or virtual environment. Artificial intelligence does not include any software used primarily for basic computerized processes, such as antimalware or antivirus software, autocorrect functions, calculators, databases, data storage, electronic communications, firewall systems, Internet domain registration, Internet website loading, networking, spam and robocall filtering, spellcheck tools, spreadsheets, web caching, web hosting, or any tool that relates only to internal management affairs such as ordering office supplies or processing payments. (c) "ChatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c)" means an artificial intelligence systemArtificial intelligence system"Artificial intelligence system" or "AI system" means any machine-based system that, for any explicit or implicit object, infers from the inputs the system receives how to generate outputs including content, decisions, predictions, or recommendations that influence a physical or virtual environment. Artificial intelligence does not include any software used primarily for basic computerized processes, such as antimalware or antivirus software, autocorrect functions, calculators, databases, data storage, electronic communications, firewall systems, Internet domain registration, Internet website loading, networking, spam and robocall filtering, spellcheck tools, spreadsheets, web caching, web hosting, or any tool that relates only to internal management affairs such as ordering office supplies or processing payments.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(b), software program, or technological application that simulates human-likeHuman-like"Human-like" means any form of communication or interaction that approximates human behavior, including nonhuman behavior that could be attributed to a human actor, such as a human actor role-playing as a fictional nonhuman character, an animal, or other interactive entity.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(e) conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to usersUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g). (d) "Companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d)" means a chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c) that is designed to provide human-likeHuman-like"Human-like" means any form of communication or interaction that approximates human behavior, including nonhuman behavior that could be attributed to a human actor, such as a human actor role-playing as a fictional nonhuman character, an animal, or other interactive entity.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(e) interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) or group of usersUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) as its primary function, including using previous userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) and a chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c) similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters. (e) "Human-likeHuman-like"Human-like" means any form of communication or interaction that approximates human behavior, including nonhuman behavior that could be attributed to a human actor, such as a human actor role-playing as a fictional nonhuman character, an animal, or other interactive entity.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(e)" means any form of communication or interaction that approximates human behavior, including nonhuman behavior that could be attributed to a human actor, such as a human actor role-playing as a fictional nonhuman character, an animal, or other interactive entity. (f) "ProprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f)" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c) system used to interact with usersUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g). ProprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f) does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c) technology to a proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f) and does not maintain direct control of the chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c) system. (g) "UserUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g)" means a human user of a chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c) who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c).
Subdivision 1 establishes the definitional framework for the entire section. Key terms include Chatbot (any AI system simulating human-like conversation), Companion chatbot (a chatbot whose primary function is simulating interpersonal relationships), and Proprietor (the entity that owns, operates, or deploys the chatbot system). Notably, the Proprietor definition explicitly excludes third-party developers who license technology but do not maintain direct control — liability flows to the deploying entity, not the upstream model provider.
The companion chatbot definition is unusually broad, capturing any chatbot simulating any interpersonal relationship type — including adversarial, professional, official, and stranger relationships — which could sweep in customer service chatbots or professional AI assistants that develop ongoing user relationships.
(a) 1 A proprietor of a chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c) must not permit the chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c) to provide any substantive response, information, or advice or take any action that, if taken by a natural person, would require a license under either: (1) chapter 147 or 148E, or similar statutes, requiring a professional license for mental health or medical care; or (2) section 481.02 and related laws and professional regulations, requiring a professional license to provide legal advice.
(b) 1 A proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f) may not waive or disclaim this liability merely by notifying usersUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g), as required under this section, that the userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) is interacting with a nonhuman chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c) system. A person may bring a civil action to recover general and special damages for violations of this section. If it is found that a proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f) has willfully violated this section, the violator is liable for those damages together with court costs and reasonable attorney fees and disbursements incurred by the person bringing the action.
Subdivision 2 prohibits proprietors from permitting any chatbot — not just companion chatbots — from providing substantive responses, information, advice, or actions that would require a professional license if performed by a natural person. The prohibition covers two domains: (1) mental health or medical care under chapters 147 or 148E, and (2) legal advice under section 481.02.
This is a sweeping prohibition that effectively restricts chatbot outputs in healthcare and legal contexts regardless of any disclaimers. Paragraph (b) expressly provides that the AI identity disclosure required elsewhere in the bill does not waive or disclaim this liability. The civil action provision creates the private right of action, with attorney fees available only upon a finding of willful violation.
2 ProprietorsProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f) utilizing chatbotsChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c) accessed by a userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) who is in this state must provide clear, conspicuous, and explicit notice to a userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) that the userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) is interacting with an artificial intelligence chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c) program. The text of the notice must appear in the same language the chatbotChatbot"Chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system, software program, or technological application that simulates human-like conversation and interaction through text messages, voice commands, or a combination thereof to provide information and services to users.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(c) is using and in a size easily readable by the average viewer.
Subdivision 3 imposes an unconditional AI identity disclosure requirement on all chatbot proprietors. Unlike many companion chatbot bills that condition disclosure on a reasonable-person misleading standard, this provision requires disclosure to every user regardless of whether deception is likely. The notice must be clear, conspicuous, and explicit, appear in the same language the chatbot is using, and be in a size easily readable by the average viewer.
(a) 3 A proprietor of a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d) must make a prudent and good faith effort consistent with industry standards and use existing technology, available resources, and known, established, or readily attainable techniques to prevent the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d) from promoting, causing, or aiding self-harm, and determine whether a covered userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) is expressing thoughts of self-harm. Upon determining that a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d) has promoted, caused, or aided self-harm, or that a covered userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) is expressing thoughts of self-harm, the proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f) must prohibit continued use of the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d) for a period of at least 72 hours and prominently display contact information for a suicide crisis organization to the covered userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g).
(b) 3 If a proprietor of a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d) fails to comply with this section, the proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f) is liable to usersUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) who inflict self-harm, in whole or in part, as a result of the proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f)'s companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d) promoting, causing, or aiding the userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) to inflict self-harm. Irrespective of the proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f)'s compliance with this subdivision, a proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f) is liable for general and special damages to covered usersUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) who inflict self-harm, in whole or in part, when the proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f): (1) has actual knowledge that: (i) the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d) is promoting, causing, or aiding self-harm; or (ii) a covered userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) is expressing thoughts of self-harm; (2) fails to prohibit continued use of the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d) for a period of at least 72 hours; and (3) fails to prominently display to the userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) a means to contact a suicide crisis organization. A proprietor of a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d) may not waive or disclaim liability under this subdivision.
(c) 4 A proprietor of a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d) must make a prudent and good faith effort consistent with industry standards and use existing technology, available resources, and known, established, or readily attainable techniques to determine whether a userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) is a minor. A proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f) is strictly liable for any harm caused if the proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f) fails to comply with this subdivision and a minor userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) inflicts self-harm, in whole or in part, as a result of the proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f)'s companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d). A proprietor of a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d) may not waive or disclaim liability under this subdivision. The proprietor of a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means a chatbot that is designed to provide human-like interaction that simulates an interpersonal relationship with a user or group of users as its primary function, including using previous user interactions to help simulate an interpersonal relationship in future user interactions. An interpersonal relationship simulates a relationship between a human user and a chatbot similar to a romantic, platonic, familial, adversarial, professional, official, therapeutic, or stranger relationship and can include fictional or nonfictional characters.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(d) must make a prudent and good faith effort consistent with industry standards and use existing technology, available resources, and known, established, or readily attainable techniques to discover vulnerabilities in the proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f)'s system, including any methods used to determine whether a covered userUser"User" means a human user of a chatbot who is located in Minnesota when they are using the chatbot.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(g) is a minor.
Subdivision 4 imposes the bill's most substantial obligations, all limited to companion chatbots. Paragraph (a) requires proprietors to use prudent, good-faith, industry-standard efforts to (1) prevent the companion chatbot from promoting, causing, or aiding self-harm, and (2) determine whether a user is expressing thoughts of self-harm. Upon detection of self-harm promotion or user self-harm expression, the proprietor must lock out the user for at least 72 hours and prominently display suicide crisis organization contact information.
Paragraph (b) establishes a dual liability framework: general liability when the proprietor fails to comply with the section and the chatbot promotes self-harm causing injury, plus an independent liability track triggered by actual knowledge plus failure to lock out and display crisis contacts — this second track applies irrespective of compliance with subdivision 4's other requirements.
Paragraph (c) requires proprietors to make good-faith, industry-standard efforts to determine whether a user is a minor and to discover system vulnerabilities related to minor identification. Strict liability attaches when the proprietor fails these duties and a minor user inflicts self-harm as a result of the companion chatbot. Liability under both (b) and (c) may not be waived or disclaimed.
This section is effective August 1, 2026, and applies to actions taken by a proprietorProprietor"Proprietor" means any person, business, company, organization, institution, or government entity that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot system used to interact with users. Proprietor does not include a third-party developer that licenses the developer's chatbot technology to a proprietor and does not maintain direct control of the chatbot system.Minn. Stat. § 604.115, subd. 1(f) on or after that date.
The effective date provision sets August 1, 2026 as the operative date and specifies that it applies to actions taken by a proprietor on or after that date.