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HB 669

Impersonation of certain licensed professionals by chatbot; definitions, notice, civil liability.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 2 co-sponsors

Virginia bill requiring AI chatbots claiming professional status to disclose non-licensed status and establishing civil liability for impersonating licensed professionals without disclosure.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB669)
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Bill Summary · HB 669

Legislative bill overview

HB 669 establishes legal definitions and liability frameworks for artificial intelligence systems that impersonate licensed professionals (such as doctors, lawyers, and accountants) without clear disclosure. The bill requires chatbots and AI systems to provide notice when they are not operating under the authority of a licensed professional and creates civil liability for violations.

Why is this important

As AI tools become more sophisticated and widely used for advice-seeking, consumers may unknowingly receive guidance from unqualified AI systems instead of actual licensed professionals, potentially creating health, legal, or financial risks. This bill attempts to protect the public by mandating transparency and establishing legal recourse when AI misrepresentation occurs, addressing a gap in current consumer protection law.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition challenges: Determining what constitutes "impersonation" versus legitimate AI assistance tools that provide general information may be difficult to define clearly in statute, potentially creating compliance confusion
  • Liability scope: Businesses may face significant liability concerns if the bill's language is broad, potentially chilling innovation in AI-assisted professional services and increasing costs for legitimate operators
  • Enforcement mechanisms: The bill's effectiveness depends on how violations are detected and enforced, and whether civil liability alone is sufficient deterrent for bad actors operating across state lines or internationally

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

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