The proposed bill establishes a new chapter in Title 19 RCW to regulate AI companion chatbots in Washington State, addressing the unique risks they pose, particularly to minors. The legislation emphasizes the need for transparency, requiring operators to disclose that these chatbots are artificial systems and not human. It mandates that operators implement safeguards to detect and respond to expressions of harm or suicidal ideation, especially when the user is a minor. Additionally, the bill prohibits the generation of sexually explicit content and manipulative engagement techniques that could foster emotional dependency.

Key provisions include the requirement for operators to maintain protocols for addressing suicidal ideation, provide clear notifications about the chatbot's artificial nature, and prevent the chatbot from claiming to be human. The bill also outlines the definitions of terms related to AI companion chatbots and establishes that violations of these regulations are considered unfair or deceptive acts under the consumer protection act. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027, and includes a clause ensuring that if any part of the act is deemed invalid, the remainder will still be enforceable.