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Senate passes AI regulation bill aimed at protecting children and aligning with California law
Summary
The Washington Senate passed an engrossed substitute of SB 5,984 that tightens rules for AI systems interacting with youth, aligns parts of the measure with California law, and includes a private right of action; the roll call showed a constitutional majority.
The Washington State Senate passed an engrossed substitute of Senate Bill 5,984, legislation that would impose new rules on artificial‑intelligence systems (including chatbot labeling and safety provisions) with an emphasis on protecting children.
Sponsor Senator Wellman said the substitute was amended to align more closely with California’s chatbot law and to narrow health‑related provisions so the state Health Department can handle them in a subsequent session. "We are in a different age ... this bill ... make sure that we are providing a healthy place for our children," Wellman said during floor remarks.
Debate acknowledged a tension between consumer protections and allowing for innovation. Senator Behnke thanked stakeholders and urged the chamber to support a compromise crafted with partners. The substitute includes an enforceability mechanism and a private right of action, which proponents said will drive compliance; some members expressed concerns that the private right of action may be broad.
Final passage: After the striking amendment and subsequent motions to advance the engrossed substitute to third reading and final passage, the clerk recorded a roll call and declared the bill passed with a constitutional majority (roll call later noted 38 ayes and 11 nays). The act was reported to take effect Jan. 1, 2027, as discussed in committee language on the desk.
