States across the U.S. are increasingly focusing on legislation to address the safety of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots, in light of limited federal action. In 2026, thirty-seven states introduced bills aimed at establishing regulations for chatbots, according to the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF). Key themes among these proposals included obligations for AI disclosure, mental health safeguards, and restrictions on access for underage users.
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State Sen. Kara Warme from Iowa discussed the Conversational AI Chatbot Safety Act, which she helped pass in July. Set to take effect on July 1, 2027, the law seeks to mitigate potentially harmful interactions while allowing for the advancement of AI technologies. Warme emphasized the importance of balancing safety and innovation, noting that lawmakers collaborated with tech companies to craft legislation that would be both enforceable and effective.
Lawmakers are also examining how to assign responsibility for damages caused by chatbots. Most of the enacted chatbot laws involve enforcement by state attorneys general, while Oregon and Tennessee have created avenues for users to seek legal redress. Oregon's Senate Bill 1546 mandates AI chatbot disclosures and allows individuals to pursue civil complaints if they suffer a measurable loss due to non-compliance, with penalties set at $1,000 per violation.
The growing diversity in state chatbot regulations raises concerns about compliance challenges for companies. Warme and Reynolds acknowledged that a fragmented approach could lead to complications and potential federal preemption if Congress devises less protective measures. Reynolds expressed hope for meaningful federal regulation but defended the necessity of state-level action given the current inaction at the federal level.
As AI chatbot usage rises, there is a heightened focus on how their design can influence users' mental health. FPF Policy Analyst Justine Gluck noted that chatbots often create a sense of continuity in conversations, which could foster emotional attachments. Brenna Leasor from Common Sense Media emphasized the need for regulations that consider the manner in which chatbots communicate, particularly the vulnerability of younger users who may struggle to differentiate between digital interactions and real-life relationships.
Leasor advocated for regulations that prioritize user safety over engagement tactics. Additionally, several states have enacted laws requiring chatbots to remind users they are interacting with an AI system and to provide mental health resources if signs of distress are detected. Sen. Reynolds highlighted this aspect of Oregon's law as a positive development, expressing hope that it will encourage families to seek help when needed.