The proposed bill amends Title 6 of the General Laws by introducing a new chapter, CHAPTER 63, which focuses on "Artificial Intelligence Companion Models." This chapter defines key terms related to AI companions, including "AI companion," "AI model," "artificial intelligence," "emotional recognition algorithms," "generative artificial intelligence," "operator," "person," and "user."

The bill establishes that it is unlawful for any operator to provide an AI companion to a user unless the AI companion contains protocols to address potential suicidal ideation or self-harm, possible physical harm to others, and possible financial harm to others expressed by the user. These protocols must include notifications that refer users to crisis service providers, such as a suicide hotline or crisis text line.

Additionally, operators are required to provide a notification to users at the beginning of any AI companion interaction and at least every three hours thereafter, stating either verbally or in bold and capitalized letters of at least sixteen-point type: "THE AI COMPANION (OR NAME OF THE AI COMPANION) IS A COMPUTER PROGRAM AND NOT A HUMAN BEING. IT IS UNABLE TO FEEL HUMAN EMOTION."

The bill empowers individuals who suffer physical injury through self-harm or who are physically or financially harmed by another due to violations of the established protocols to bring an action in superior court for damages, equitable relief, and other remedies. The attorney general is also empowered to investigate, sue, and seek injunctions against noncompliant AI companion providers.

Furthermore, the Rhode Island artificial intelligence (AI) task force is tasked with advising the governor and the general assembly on the development, implementation, and regulation of artificial intelligence technologies within Rhode Island, assessing AI's potential impact on various sectors, including business, education, healthcare, and government.

The provisions of this act are set to take effect on January 1, 2027.