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House passes AI companion safeguards after debate over private legal claims and public reporting
Summary
House Bill 22-25, aimed at regulating AI companion chatbots and protecting children, passed after debate about public disclosure of crisis referrals and whether private lawsuits should be allowed; final vote was 69–28–1.
The House voted to pass engrossed substitute House Bill 22-25, legislation placing guardrails on AI companion chatbots marketed to or used by children and others. Floor discussion focused on two contested issues: public disclosure of crisis-referral counts and whether the bill should include a private right of action or rely solely on attorney general enforcement.
Representative Kallen, a bill sponsor, told the chamber, “We have learned a great deal in the 3 years that the AI companion chat bots have been starting to develop and grow,” and cited committee testimony about harms to minors, including a referenced family tragedy. Representative Barnard sponsored amendments to require certain public reporting and to remove a private right of action in favor of Attorney General oversight. Barnard said removing the private right of action would prevent frivolous lawsuits and protect innovation.
Another floor speaker, Representative Ryu, urged a no vote on removing the private right of action, arguing that families need access to justice and that limiting claims to the Attorney General could place undue burden on state resources.
Amendments requiring public disclosure of crisis-referral notifications were adopted; an amendment to remove the private right of action (19-95) was not adopted. The clerk recorded final passage at 69 yays, 28 nays, 1 excused. Sponsors said the law is designed to reduce harm to minors and to introduce transparency and enforcement mechanisms for AI operators.
