Establishes safety requirements for artificial intelligence companion operators.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Cody Miller

Establishes safety, transparency, and data protections for AI companion operators to protect users and ensure accountable, compliant handling of AI-powered devices.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee

Bill Summary — New Jersey A 5272 (Session 222)

Purpose and intent

Establishes safety requirements and oversight for operators of artificial intelligence (AI) companions.

Aims to protect consumers and users of AI-powered companion technologies by setting standards for safety, transparency, and accountability.

Key provisions and changes

Safety standards for AI companions: Imposes minimum safety requirements that AI companion operators must meet before offering products or services to the public. This may include risk assessments, reliability criteria, and safety testing similar to other consumer technologies.

Operator obligations: Requires operators to implement and maintain safety programs, incident reporting, and corrective actions if safety vulnerabilities or malfunctions are identified.

Transparency and disclosures: Mandates clear disclosures about the AI’s capabilities, limitations, data practices, and the fact that the companion is an AI unless the user is otherwise informed.

Data privacy and security: Establishes protections for user data collected by AI companions, including storage, usage, retention, and access controls. May include requirements to minimize data collection and to secure data against breaches.

Accountability and enforcement: Creates regulatory mechanisms to enforce compliance, potentially including audits, penalties for violations, and a process for handling consumer complaints.

Consumer protections: Addresses misrepresentation and deceptive practices related to AI companions, including marketing, performance claims, and safety assurances.

Scope of products and services: Applies to operators of AI companions offered for personal, household, or possibly educational use. The bill may specify exclusions or limits (e.g., industrial or specialized AI systems) but aims at consumer-facing products.

Who is affected

AI companion operators: Companies and individuals developing, distributing, or operating AI-powered companion devices or software must comply with the safety, transparency, and data practices requirements.

Users/consumers: Individuals who purchase or interact with AI companions gain enhanced protections around safety, privacy, and clear information about the technology.

Regulators and enforcement agencies: State bodies tasked with monitoring compliance, conducting investigations, and imposing penalties for violations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and referred: The bill was introduced on 2026-06-15 and referred to the Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee.

Sponsors: Co-sponsored by Assembly member Cody Miller.

Next steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed through committee hearings, potential amendments, and votes in the Assembly, with possible consideration by the Senate and eventual signature by the Governor to become law. Timeline depends on committee activity and legislative calendar.

Notes and context

Details such as specific safety standards, data retention periods, penalty amounts, and the exact scope (e.g., definition of “AI companion” and whether mobile apps, toys, or household devices are covered) are not provided in the summary. The bill text would clarify these elements and any phased implementation timelines or grace periods for compliance.

If you’d like, I can extract or synthesize the exact statutory language from the bill text once you share it, and tailor the summary to particular stakeholders (consumers, businesses, or regulators).