ComplianceDeadline24 Mar 2026US
Washington's companion chatbot law takes effect in January 2027, with a private right to sue
79days
Until January 1, 2027
HB 2225 takes effect
Signed on 24 Mar 2026, HB 2225 requires companion chatbots to say they are AI, with reminders every three hours for adults and every hour for minors. Operators block sexual content and manipulative engagement with minors, such as simulated distress or encouraging isolation from family, refer users at risk of self-harm to crisis resources, and publish their protocols each year. The Attorney General enforces it, and individuals can sue.
Build: Add hourly AI reminders for minors and remove engagement features that simulate distress or discourage family contact before 1 Jan 2027.
Who it reaches
It reaches generative AI services with users in the US, at any size. Operators of relationship-style chatbots offered to Washington users. Business, game, general assistant and education bots are excluded.
Lands on Policy & Standards, Product, Engineering and Legal & Regulatory.
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Read the sourceHunton Andrews Kurth
Not legal advice. Read the source.