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Bill

Bill

HB 2225

Concerning regulation of artificial intelligence companion chatbots.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Berry and 29 co-sponsors

Washington bill regulates AI companion chatbots through disclosure and safety requirements to protect consumers from deceptive or harmful interactions with artificial systems.

Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2225

Legislative bill overview

HB 2225 establishes regulatory frameworks for artificial intelligence companion chatbots in Washington state. The bill has advanced through the Senate Committee on Environment, Energy & Technology with a majority recommendation to pass, though minority opposition exists. Specific regulatory mechanisms are not detailed in the action log provided.

Why is this important

AI companion chatbots are increasingly used for mental health support, eldercare, education, and personal assistance, raising questions about consumer protection, data privacy, and disclosure requirements. Establishing state-level regulations could set precedent for how AI systems that simulate human relationships are governed, affecting both users and technology companies operating in Washington.

Potential points of contention

  • Disclosure and transparency requirements: Disagreement over how explicitly chatbots must disclose they are not human, particularly for vulnerable populations like elderly or mentally ill users
  • Liability and responsibility frameworks: Uncertainty about who bears responsibility if a chatbot provides harmful advice or enables dependent relationships that damage user wellbeing
  • Definition and scope challenges: Difficulty defining what constitutes an "AI companion chatbot" versus general-purpose AI assistants, potentially affecting which technologies fall under regulation

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

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