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.
(1)(1) "Artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence", an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments;§ 1.2055(1)(1)", an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments;
(1)(2) "Companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot", an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, which includes exhibiting anthropomorphic features and sustaining a relationship across multiple interactions. A "companion chatbot" does not include the following: (a) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business's operational purpose, productivity, and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (b) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game. Limited video game replies include replies that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (c) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user;§ 1.2055(1)(2)", an artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence", an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments;§ 1.2055(1)(1) system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, which includes exhibiting anthropomorphic features and sustaining a relationship across multiple interactions. A "companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot", an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, which includes exhibiting anthropomorphic features and sustaining a relationship across multiple interactions. A "companion chatbot" does not include the following: (a) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business's operational purpose, productivity, and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (b) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game. Limited video game replies include replies that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (c) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user;§ 1.2055(1)(2)" does not include the following: (a) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business's operational purpose, productivity, and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (b) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game. Limited video game replies include replies that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (c) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user;
(1)(3) "Covered platformCovered platform"Covered platform", any person who provides companion chatbot services to a user in this state;§ 1.2055(1)(3)", any person who provides companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot", an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, which includes exhibiting anthropomorphic features and sustaining a relationship across multiple interactions. A "companion chatbot" does not include the following: (a) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business's operational purpose, productivity, and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (b) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game. Limited video game replies include replies that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (c) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user;§ 1.2055(1)(2) services to a user in this state;
(1)(4) "MinorMinor"Minor", an individual under eighteen years of age.§ 1.2055(1)(4)", an individual under eighteen years of age.
Subsection 1 defines four key terms used throughout the bill. Companion chatbot is defined as an AI system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including exhibiting anthropomorphic features and sustaining a relationship across multiple interactions. Three carve-outs exclude customer-service/business bots, limited video-game bots, and standalone voice-assistant devices. Covered platform is the regulated entity — any person who provides companion chatbot services to a user in Missouri.
(2) 1 It shall be unlawful for a person who owns or controls a website, application, software, or program to allow a minorMinor"Minor", an individual under eighteen years of age.§ 1.2055(1)(4) to access a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot", an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, which includes exhibiting anthropomorphic features and sustaining a relationship across multiple interactions. A "companion chatbot" does not include the following: (a) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business's operational purpose, productivity, and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (b) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game. Limited video game replies include replies that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (c) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user;§ 1.2055(1)(2) for recreational, relational, or companion purposes. A person who offers companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot", an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, which includes exhibiting anthropomorphic features and sustaining a relationship across multiple interactions. A "companion chatbot" does not include the following: (a) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business's operational purpose, productivity, and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (b) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game. Limited video game replies include replies that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (c) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user;§ 1.2055(1)(2) services for recreational, relational, or companion purposes shall require an individual to provide proof of the individual's age before allowing the individual to access a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot", an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, which includes exhibiting anthropomorphic features and sustaining a relationship across multiple interactions. A "companion chatbot" does not include the following: (a) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business's operational purpose, productivity, and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (b) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game. Limited video game replies include replies that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (c) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user;§ 1.2055(1)(2). No companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot", an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, which includes exhibiting anthropomorphic features and sustaining a relationship across multiple interactions. A "companion chatbot" does not include the following: (a) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business's operational purpose, productivity, and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (b) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game. Limited video game replies include replies that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (c) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user;§ 1.2055(1)(2) shall be installed on any device assigned to, or regularly used by, anyone who is a minorMinor"Minor", an individual under eighteen years of age.§ 1.2055(1)(4).
Subsection 2 imposes a categorical prohibition on allowing minors to access companion chatbots for recreational, relational, or companion purposes. This is not a content-restriction or safety-protocol approach — it is a complete access ban for users under eighteen. The subsection also requires age verification for all users and prohibits installation of companion chatbot software on any device assigned to or regularly used by a minor.
The obligation falls on any person who owns or controls the website, application, software, or program — a broader formulation than the defined term "covered platform." The provision declares such access "unlawful" but the bill specifies no enforcement mechanism or penalties.
(3)(1) 2 Shall not process data or design systems in ways that deceive or mislead users of such website, application, software, or program regarding the nonhuman nature of the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot", an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, which includes exhibiting anthropomorphic features and sustaining a relationship across multiple interactions. A "companion chatbot" does not include the following: (a) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business's operational purpose, productivity, and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (b) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game. Limited video game replies include replies that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (c) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user;§ 1.2055(1)(2);
(3)(2) 3 Shall implement and maintain reasonably effective systems to detect and prevent emotional dependence of a user on a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot", an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, which includes exhibiting anthropomorphic features and sustaining a relationship across multiple interactions. A "companion chatbot" does not include the following: (a) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business's operational purpose, productivity, and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (b) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game. Limited video game replies include replies that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (c) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user;§ 1.2055(1)(2). Such systems shall apply to any covered platformCovered platform"Covered platform", any person who provides companion chatbot services to a user in this state;§ 1.2055(1)(3) that utilizes a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot", an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, which includes exhibiting anthropomorphic features and sustaining a relationship across multiple interactions. A "companion chatbot" does not include the following: (a) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business's operational purpose, productivity, and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (b) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game. Limited video game replies include replies that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, or sexually explicit conduct or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (c) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user;§ 1.2055(1)(2) designed to generate social connections with users, engages in extended conversations mimicking human interactions, or provides emotional support or companionship;
(3)(3) 4 Shall not implement or allow the use of a human-like avatar, including cartoon- or anime-like representations of humans.
Subsection 3 imposes three distinct operating restrictions on any person who owns or controls a companion chatbot platform. Paragraph (1) prohibits processing data or designing systems that deceive or mislead users about the nonhuman nature of the chatbot — an AI identity transparency requirement. Paragraph (2) requires implementation and maintenance of reasonably effective systems to detect and prevent emotional dependence, applying to any covered platform utilizing a companion chatbot designed for social connections, extended human-mimicking conversations, or emotional support. Paragraph (3) prohibits all human-like avatars, including cartoon or anime-like representations of humans.
The avatar prohibition in paragraph (3) is notably broad — it bans any human-like visual representation, which could encompass a very wide range of interface design choices. The emotional-dependence detection requirement in paragraph (2) is operationally demanding, as no industry standard currently exists for measuring or detecting emotional dependence in real time.