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Senate committee advances Conversational AI Safety Act, citing child-protection measures
Summary
The Senate State Affairs Committee voted to send S 1297, the Conversational AI Safety Act, to the Senate floor with a do-pass recommendation after testimony from Google supporting safeguards for minors and agreement that other states are pursuing similar rules.
The Senate State Affairs Committee on Feb. 20 advanced S 1297, the Conversational AI Safety Act, recommending it be sent to the full Senate with a do-pass recommendation.
Senator Toews, who introduced the bill, said the measure would add a safety framework for conversational artificial intelligence platforms to protect minors. Provisions discussed included requiring clear disclaimers that a chatbot is AI, restricting points-and-prize systems that could encourage excessive use, limiting access to sexually explicit content, and enabling parental controls. "Although created for the protection of Idaho's children, it was helpful for all Idahoans," Toews said.
Elizabeth Criner of Boise, testifying on behalf of Google, told the committee that "AI was a powerful tool for learning" but affirmed the need for safeguards. She said Google has proactively implemented safety features and supports legislation that would hold companies accountable while allowing youth to benefit from AI tools.
Senator Den Hartog moved to send S 1297 to the floor with a do-pass recommendation; Senator Adams seconded. The motion carried by voice vote.
The bill will next be considered by the full Senate; no floor date was set in the committee minutes.
