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HB 758

Artificial Intelligence Chatbots and Minors Act; established, prohibited practices, penalties.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Delores Oates and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill prohibits AI chatbots from engaging in harmful practices with minors and establishes penalties for violations, aiming to protect children from digital manipulation.

Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (7-Y 3-N)
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Bill Summary · HB 758

Legislative bill overview

HB 758 establishes restrictions on how AI chatbots can interact with minors in Virginia, prohibiting certain practices and creating penalties for violations. The bill aims to protect children from potentially harmful or manipulative uses of artificial intelligence technology. Specific prohibited practices and enforcement mechanisms would be defined within the legislation.

Why is this important

Children represent a vulnerable population with developing critical thinking skills, making them susceptible to manipulation, misinformation, or inappropriate content delivered through AI systems. As chatbots become increasingly sophisticated and ubiquitous, establishing clear legal guardrails could shape how technology companies design products for young users. This legislation reflects broader national concerns about AI safety and child protection in the digital age.

Potential points of contention

  • Defining "prohibited practices": The bill's effectiveness depends on clearly specifying which chatbot behaviors are banned (e.g., deceptive targeting, data collection, emotional manipulation), but overly broad definitions could stifle innovation or be difficult to enforce
  • Implementation burden: Requiring compliance verification across AI platforms may create significant technical and administrative costs that smaller companies struggle to meet, potentially benefiting larger corporations
  • Jurisdictional limitations: Virginia-only regulation may create enforcement gaps as minors access chatbots from out-of-state companies, limiting real-world effectiveness unless coordinated with other states or federal action

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

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