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Bill

HB 2637

An Act providing for a temporary prohibition on artificial intelligence chatbots in children's toys; and imposing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Ciresi and 10 co-sponsors

Imposes a temporary ban on AI chatbots in toys for children in Pennsylvania, with penalties for non-compliance and enforcement outlined in future regulations.

Referred to Communications & Technology
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2637

Summary of HB 2637 (Session 2025-2026, Pennsylvania)

1) Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to implement a temporary prohibition on the use of artificial intelligence chatbots in children’s toys.
  • It would establish penalties for non-compliance and specify the scope and duration of the prohibition, with the goal of addressing safety, privacy, and developmental concerns related to AI-enabled interactions with minors.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Prohibition

    • Imposes a temporary ban on the deployment or use of AI chatbots in toys marketed to or intended for children.
    • The term “artificial intelligence chatbot” encompasses software that simulates conversation with users, including language models and conversational agents integrated into toy devices or accompanying apps.

  • Penalties

    • Establishes penalties for entities that manufacture, distribute, or sell toys containing AI chatbots in violation of the prohibition.
    • Penalties may include fines and potential corrective actions, with specifics to be defined in the implementing regulations or future amendments.

  • Scope and Application

    • Applies to products distributed within Pennsylvania, including toys sold online to Pennsylvania residents.
    • May cover both physical toys and digital or connected toy ecosystems (e.g., companion apps or cloud-based services) that enable AI chatbot functionality.

  • Temporary Nature

    • The prohibition is identified as temporary, indicating a sunset clause or a review period after which the policy may be reconsidered, extended, or repealed.

  • Enforcement and Oversight

    • Likely to authorize state agencies (e.g., consumer protection or communications/technology agencies) to enforce the prohibition, issue recalls or penalties, and establish regulatory standards for compliance.

  • Effective Date and Timeline

    • The bill would set an effective date and potentially phased compliance timelines, allowing manufacturers and retailers time to remove or modify AI chatbot features in toy offerings.

3) Who or What Is Affected

  • Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers of children’s toys that include AI chatbot features.
  • Toy developers and platform providers whose products enable AI chatbot interactions with children (including companion apps and online services).
  • Consumers in Pennsylvania who purchase or use AI-enabled toys for children.
  • State enforcement agencies responsible for consumer protection and technology regulation.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Primary Action: Bill has been referred to the Pennsylvania House Committee on Communications & Technology as of June 15, 2026.
  • Sponsorship: Multiple co-sponsors listed, indicating bipartisan or cross-party support among various representatives.
  • Potential Next Steps: Committee hearings, possible amendments, and floor voting. If enacted, implementation would follow the specified effective dates and any sunset/renewal provisions.

5) Notes for Readers

  • While the bill focuses on a temporary prohibition, details such as the exact duration of the ban, what qualifies as an AI chatbot, compliance standards, penalties amounts, and enforcement mechanisms are typically fleshed out in the bill’s text or subsequent regulations. The current description highlights the core goal: temporarily restrict AI chatbot use in children’s toys to address safety and privacy concerns, with penalties for non-compliance.
  • readers should watch for amendments and committee reports that clarify definitions, exemptions (if any), and the process for lifting or extending the prohibition.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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