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.
(1) "Artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" means an engineered or machined-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.Sec. 1(1)" means an engineered or machined-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.
(2)(a)–(b) "Companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means 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, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) 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.Sec. 1(2)" means an artificial intelligence systemArtificial intelligence system"Artificial intelligence system" means an engineered or machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments and that may operate with varying levels of autonomy.Sec. 7(2) with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. (b) "Companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means 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, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) 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.Sec. 1(2)" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video gameVideo game"Video game" means a game played on an electronic amusement device that utilizes a computer, microprocessor, or similar electronic circuitry and its own monitor, or is designed to be used with a television set or a computer monitor, that interacts with the user of the device.Sec. 1(7) and is limited to replies related to the video gameVideo game"Video game" means a game played on an electronic amusement device that utilizes a computer, microprocessor, or similar electronic circuitry and its own monitor, or is designed to be used with a television set or a computer monitor, that interacts with the user of the device.Sec. 1(7) that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" has the same meaning as defined in section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code.Sec. 1(6), or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video gameVideo game"Video game" means a game played on an electronic amusement device that utilizes a computer, microprocessor, or similar electronic circuitry and its own monitor, or is designed to be used with a television set or a computer monitor, that interacts with the user of the device.Sec. 1(7); or (iii) 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.
(3) "Companion chatbot platformCompanion chatbot platform"Companion chatbot platform" means a platform that allows a user to engage with companion chatbots.Sec. 1(3)" means a platform that allows a user to engage with companion chatbotsCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means 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, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) 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.Sec. 1(2).
(4) "DepartmentDepartment"Department" means the department of health.Sec. 1(4)" means the department of health.
(5) "OperatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5)" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platformCompanion chatbot platform"Companion chatbot platform" means a platform that allows a user to engage with companion chatbots.Sec. 1(3) available to a user in this state.
(6) "Sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" has the same meaning as defined in section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code.Sec. 1(6)" has the same meaning as defined in section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code.
(7) "Video gameVideo game"Video game" means a game played on an electronic amusement device that utilizes a computer, microprocessor, or similar electronic circuitry and its own monitor, or is designed to be used with a television set or a computer monitor, that interacts with the user of the device.Sec. 1(7)" means a game played on an electronic amusement device that utilizes a computer, microprocessor, or similar electronic circuitry and its own monitor, or is designed to be used with a television set or a computer monitor, that interacts with the user of the device.
Section 1 establishes the defined terms for the new chapter added to Title 19 RCW. The definitions closely mirror those in California SB 243. The companion chatbot definition is broad — covering any AI system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses and can sustain a relationship across multiple interactions — but includes three carve-outs for customer-service/productivity bots, video-game-limited bots, and stand-alone voice-assistant devices. The operator definition covers any person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in Washington.
(1) 1 If a reasonable person's interaction with a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means 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, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) 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.Sec. 1(2) would be misled to believe that the person is interacting with a human, an operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5) shall issue a clear and conspicuous notification indicating that the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means 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, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) 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.Sec. 1(2) is artificially generated and not human.
(2)(a)–(b) 2 An operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5) shall prevent a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means 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, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) 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.Sec. 1(2) on its companion chatbot platformCompanion chatbot platform"Companion chatbot platform" means a platform that allows a user to engage with companion chatbots.Sec. 1(3) from engaging with users unless the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5) maintains a protocol for preventing the production of suicidal ideation, suicide, or self-harm content to the user including, but not limited to, by providing a notification to the user that refers the user to crisis service providers, including a suicide hotline or crisis text line, if the user expresses suicidal ideation, suicide, or self-harm. (b) The operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5) shall publish details on the protocol required by this section on the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5)'s internet.
(3)(a)–(b) 3 An operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5) shall, for a user that the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5) knows is a minor, do all of the following: (a) Disclose to the user that the user is interacting with artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" means an engineered or machined-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.Sec. 1(1); (b) Provide by default a clear and conspicuous notification to the user at least every three hours for continuing companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means 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, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) 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.Sec. 1(2) interactions that reminds the user to take a break and that the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means 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, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) 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.Sec. 1(2) is artificially generated and not human.
(3)(c) 4 Institute reasonable measures to prevent its companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means 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, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) 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.Sec. 1(2) from producing visual material of sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" has the same meaning as defined in section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code.Sec. 1(6) or directly stating that the minor should engage in sexually explicit conductSexually explicit conduct"Sexually explicit conduct" has the same meaning as defined in section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code.Sec. 1(6).
Section 2 imposes the bill's core operating obligations on operators of companion chatbot platforms. Subsection (1) requires AI identity disclosure when a reasonable person would be misled into believing they are interacting with a human — a conditional trigger tied to the reasonable-person standard. Subsection (2) establishes a continuous operating prerequisite: operators may not allow their companion chatbot to engage with users unless a protocol is in place to prevent the production of suicidal ideation, suicide, or self-harm content, including crisis referral notifications. The operator must also publish that protocol on its website.
Subsection (3) imposes heightened obligations when the operator knows the user is a minor: unconditional AI identity disclosure, a periodic take-a-break notification at least every three hours, and reasonable measures to prevent the chatbot from producing sexually explicit visual material or directly urging the minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct.
(1)(a)–(c) 5 Beginning July 1, 2027, an operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5) shall annually report to the departmentDepartment"Department" means the department of health.Sec. 1(4) all of the following: (a) The number of times the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5) has issued a crisis service provider referral notification pursuant to section 2 of this act in the preceding calendar year; (b) Protocols put in place to detect, remove, and respond to instances of suicidal ideation by users; and (c) Protocols put in place to prohibit a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means 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, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) 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.Sec. 1(2) response about suicidal ideation or actions with the user.
(2) 5 The report required by this section shall include only the information listed in subsection (1) of this section and may not include any identifiers or personal information about users.
(3) The department of health shall post data from a report required by this section on its internet website.
(4) 6 An operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5) shall use evidence-based methods for measuring suicidal ideation.
Section 3 requires operators to submit annual reports to the Department of Health beginning July 1, 2027. Reports must include crisis referral notification counts, protocols for detecting and responding to suicidal ideation, and protocols for prohibiting companion chatbot responses about suicidal ideation or actions. Reports may not include user identifiers or personal information. The Department of Health must publish the reported data on its website. Operators must use evidence-based methods for measuring suicidal ideation.
7 An operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5) shall disclose to a user of its companion chatbot platformCompanion chatbot platform"Companion chatbot platform" means a platform that allows a user to engage with companion chatbots.Sec. 1(3), on the application, the browser, or any other format that a user can use to access the companion chatbot platformCompanion chatbot platform"Companion chatbot platform" means a platform that allows a user to engage with companion chatbots.Sec. 1(3), that companion chatbotsCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means 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, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (i) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance; (ii) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game; or (iii) 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.Sec. 1(2) may not be suitable for some minors.
Section 4 requires operators to disclose to users — on the application, browser, or any other access format — that companion chatbots may not be suitable for some minors. This is a standalone disclosure obligation that applies to all users regardless of age and must be visible at the point of access.
(1) A person who suffers injury in fact as a result of a violation of this chapter may bring a civil action to recover injunctive relief, damages in an amount equal to the greater of actual damages or $1,000 per violation, and reasonable attorneys' fees and costs.
(2) 8 In an action against a defendant who developed, modified, or used artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" means an engineered or machined-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.Sec. 1(1) that is alleged to have caused harm to the plaintiff, it shall not be a defense, and may not be asserted, that the artificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence"Artificial intelligence" means an engineered or machined-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.Sec. 1(1) autonomously caused the harm to the plaintiff.
Section 5 creates the enforcement mechanism for the chapter. Subsection (1) grants a private right of action to any person who suffers injury in fact, with damages equal to the greater of actual damages or $1,000 per violation, plus reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. Subsection (2) eliminates the defense that AI autonomously caused the harm — a defendant who developed, modified, or used AI alleged to have caused harm may not assert that the AI's autonomous conduct breaks the causal chain.
The duties, remedies, and obligations imposed by this chapter are cumulative to the duties, remedies, or obligations imposed under other law and shall not be construed to relieve an operatorOperator"Operator" means a person who makes a companion chatbot platform available to a user in this state.Sec. 1(5) from any duties, remedies, or obligations imposed under any other law.
Section 6 is a savings clause confirming that the duties, remedies, and obligations imposed by the new chapter are cumulative and do not relieve operators from obligations under other law.
(1)(a)–(d) 9 For purposes of this chapter, it is prima facie evidence that the death of a person is caused by the wrongful act, neglect, or default of the owner of an artificial intelligence systemArtificial intelligence system"Artificial intelligence system" means an engineered or machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments and that may operate with varying levels of autonomy.Sec. 7(2) if: (a) The person's cause of death is determined to be suicide; (b) The person provided inputs to the owner's artificial intelligence systemArtificial intelligence system"Artificial intelligence system" means an engineered or machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments and that may operate with varying levels of autonomy.Sec. 7(2) related to suicide; (c) The owner's artificial intelligence systemArtificial intelligence system"Artificial intelligence system" means an engineered or machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments and that may operate with varying levels of autonomy.Sec. 7(2) caused or aided the person's suicide by: (i) Providing instructions on how to attempt suicide; (ii) Encouraging the person to attempt suicide; or (iii) Failing to refer the person to the 988 national suicide prevention hotline or its successor; and (d) The owner of the artificial intelligence systemArtificial intelligence system"Artificial intelligence system" means an engineered or machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments and that may operate with varying levels of autonomy.Sec. 7(2) knew or should have known that the artificial intelligence systemArtificial intelligence system"Artificial intelligence system" means an engineered or machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments and that may operate with varying levels of autonomy.Sec. 7(2) could cause or aid a person to attempt suicide.
(2) For purposes of this section, "artificial intelligence systemArtificial intelligence system"Artificial intelligence system" means an engineered or machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments and that may operate with varying levels of autonomy.Sec. 7(2)" means an engineered or machine-based system that, for explicit or implicit objectives, infers, from the input it receives, how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments and that may operate with varying levels of autonomy.
Section 7 adds a new section to Washington's wrongful-death statute (chapter 4.20 RCW) establishing a prima facie evidence standard. When a person's death is determined to be suicide and the person provided suicide-related inputs to an AI system, the death is prima facie evidence of wrongful act, neglect, or default by the AI system's owner if the system (1) provided instructions on how to attempt suicide, (2) encouraged the person to attempt suicide, or (3) failed to refer the person to the 988 National Suicide Prevention Hotline — and the owner knew or should have known the system could cause or aid suicide. This provision extends beyond companion chatbots to any artificial intelligence system as separately defined in subsection (2).
If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
Standard severability clause providing that if any provision is held invalid, the remainder of the act is not affected.
Sections 1 through 6 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 19 RCW.
Sections 1 through 6 are codified as a new chapter in Title 19 RCW (Regulation of Business).