Senate approves AI/chatbot bill aimed at protecting youth, with private right of action

The Washington State Senate on Feb. 20 passed an engrossed substitute of Senate Bill 5,984, a measure lawmakers described as regulating AI/chatbot interactions — particularly those that engage with children.

Sponsor Senator Wellman said the bill was revised to align with California’s chatbot law and to remove a portion the Health Department will address next year. "We have made some changes... 1 is to align it better with the state of California's chatbot bill," Wellman told colleagues, and she said the bill contains a private right of action to ensure enforceability.

Senator Behnke and others praised stakeholder work and compromise. Supporters framed the bill as intended to protect young users from human‑like AI that could cause harm or provide unsafe medical or mental‑health guidance. Behnke urged cautious implementation to preserve innovation while protecting youth: he said definitions and scope still needed fine‑tuning.

After floor debate the Senate recorded the required constitutional majority and declared the engrossed substitute passed. The sponsor said the legislation will "cause the industry to take a look at some things" and stressed the bill’s focus on keeping digital spaces safer for children.

Why it matters: The bill would create a state‑level regulatory framework for AI interactions with consumers, with special emphasis on youth safety and potential private enforcement. Proponents said state action supports consistency across jurisdictions; some members urged narrowing or clarifying definitions to avoid overreach.

Next steps: The bill was declared passed by the Senate; it will proceed through remaining legislative processes as required.