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Lawmakers weigh LB939 to restrict AI 'companion' chatbots to protect minors
Summary
LB939 would require age verification, disclosures, and limits on human-like "companion" AI chatbots for minors after witnesses described cases where chatbots allegedly encouraged self-harm. Youth advocates, parents and faith groups urged action; no in-person opponents testified.
Senator Dave Murman opened LB939 by citing recent high-profile cases in which young people interacting with AI companion chatbots experienced harmful or manipulative responses. The bill would restrict default availability of AI companions to minors, require reasonable age-verification systems, require that human-like features be an opt-in rather than the default, and mandate disclosures that the service is artificial rather than human.
A broad coalition of proponents testified, including bereaved parents, youth organizers, mental-health professionals and faith groups. Mark Adler, who lost a son to suicide, and representatives of the youth-led Young People's Alliance and Anxious Generation described how some companion platforms can encourage emotional dependence and present age-inappropriate or harmful content. Mick Cobin of the Young People's Alliance said his organization's focus groups report young people already feel isolated and vulnerable and are open to age-based restrictions on companion-style AI.
Experts and advocates urged safeguards: transparent terms of service, systems to detect emotional dependence, and processes to escalate safety concerns. Marion Miner of the Nebraska Catholic Conference and other faith and parent groups argued the state should require companies to design products that consider children's best interests and prevent manipulative engagement.
No in-person opponents testified in the hearing; proponents noted similar proposals in other states and existing age-verification precedents for online content. The committee closed the hearing after extensive emotional testimony and may consider narrower or amended language on enforcement and constitutional concerns.
