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Bill

H 783

An act relating to chatbot disclosure requirements

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daisy Berbeco and 22 co-sponsors

H 783 would require clear disclosures that users are interacting with a chatbot, identifying the bot and that responses are machine-generated, with possible data-use notes.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development
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Bill Summary · H 783

Bill Overview

  • Bill: H 783
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Vermont
  • Title: An act relating to chatbot disclosure requirements
  • Action to date: Read first time and referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development (2026-01-27)
  • Sponsors: A broad list of co-sponsors including Chloe Tomlinson, Barbara Rachelson, Kate McCann, Edye Graning, Phil Pouech, Mike Mrowicki, Dara Torre, and many others

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill aims to establish requirements for disclosures when interacting with chatbots, with a focus on transparency about the use of automated conversational agents in communications with the public or consumers.
  • The core objective is to ensure recipients are aware when they are engaging with a non-human agent, to promote informed consent and consumer protection in digital interactions.

Key Provisions and Changes (as implied by the title and typical chatbot-disclosure legislation)

  • Disclosure Mandate: Requires clear, conspicuous disclosure that a user is interacting with a chatbot or automated system, rather than a human.
  • Content of Disclosure: Specifications may include:
    • Identification of the entity or individual responsible for the chatbot.
    • A statement that the user is conversing with a bot.
    • Optional information about data collection, storage, or how responses are generated.
  • Scope of Application: Likely to apply to commercial or governmental digital platforms and customer service channels where chatbots are used.
  • Enforcement and Compliance: Provisions typically cover:
    • Requirements for disclosure language and placement (e.g., at the start of a chat or in the initial contact message).
    • Potential penalties or remedies for non-compliance.
    • Possible stated reasonable timelines for compliance after enactment.
  • Consumer Protections: May include safeguards against deceptive bot practices, ensuring disclosures are not misleading and remain visible across devices and interfaces.

Who is Affected

  • Businesses and Organizations: Entities using chatbot technology for customer service, marketing, or public-facing communications in Vermont.
  • Vermont Residents/Consumers: Individuals engaging with chatbots for information, purchases, or support.
  • State Agencies/Government Programs: If government-run chat interfaces are in scope, they would need to adhere to disclosure requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • First Reading: The bill has undergone its first reading and was referred to the Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, signaling the start of committee review and potential amendments.
  • Committee Review: The bill will be studied by the committee to assess feasibility, impact, and implementation details.
  • Potential Amendments: Stakeholders and committee members may propose changes to disclosure wording, scope, penalties, or effective dates.
  • Effective Date: If enacted, the bill would specify an effective date for when disclosures must be implemented; this is typical but not specified in the available information.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Transparency and Trust: Could improve transparency in digital interactions, helping consumers understand when they are conversing with automated agents.
  • Operational Adaptations: Businesses may need to adjust chat interfaces, ensure persistent disclosure, and update privacy notices or terms of service.
  • Enforcement Landscape: The bill’s penalties and enforcement mechanisms will shape how stringently organizations comply.
  • Technology Neutrality: Provisions are likely designed to be technology-agnostic, covering current and evolving chatbot technologies.

Summary

H 783 intends to mandate clear disclosures when users interact with chatbots in Vermont, aiming to protect consumers from unknowingly engaging with automated agents. The bill will require that chatbots identify themselves and indicate that a non-human agent is generating responses, with additional information potentially about data practices. It is currently at the introductory stage, referred to the Commerce and Economic Development Committee for detailed examination and refinement.

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

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