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. It emphasizes the need for transparency by requiring operators to clearly disclose that these chatbots are artificial systems, not human interlocutors. The bill mandates that operators implement safeguards to detect and respond to user expressions of self-harm or suicidal ideation, and it prohibits the generation of sexually explicit content for minors. Additionally, it restricts manipulative engagement techniques that could foster emotional dependency in users.

Key provisions include the requirement for operators to notify users at the beginning of interactions and periodically during use that they are engaging with an AI system. Operators must also maintain protocols for identifying and addressing suicidal ideation and self-harm, with public disclosure of these protocols on their websites. The bill clarifies that it does not apply to general-purpose AI models unless they are specifically configured as AI companions. It also states that violations of this chapter are considered unfair or deceptive acts under the consumer protection act. The act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.