AI Legislative Update: Jan. 16, 2026
During the state legislative season TCAI offers weekly updates every Friday on a variety of AI-related bills making progress in around the nation.
This past week saw a surge of activity in AI-related bills, with dozens of measures introduced. AI-related proposals are now under consideration in 28 state legislatures.
alabama
Alabama has several AI-related bills in play this year:
SB 129 would require the disclosure of artificial intelligence-generated content. (Sen. Melson.)
HB 171 and HB 173 concern addictive algorithm feeds in social media, and sets limits on notifications to minors. (Rep. Robbins.)
SB 63 would regulate the use of artificial intelligence in determinations of coverage by health care plans. (Sen. Orr.)
Arizona
In Phoenix this week, Rep. Nickolas Kupper (R) introduced HB 2133, which would amend the state’s existing statute on the unlawful disclosure of images depicting states of nudity or specific sexual activities. The law would expand to include the “synthetic depiction” of images not allowed under the existing statute.
California
Action on leading AI bills this week:
SB 300 (Sen. Padilla) was approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday and sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill would strengthen existing laws regarding chatbots, by requiring companion chatbot operators to prevent its chatbot products from producing or facilitating the exchange of any sexually explicit material or proposing sexually explicit content.
SB 867 (Sen. Padilla) would prohibit the inclusion of companion chatbots in toys. It is with the Senate Rules Committee awaiting further assignment.
New bills this week:
SB 719 would amend an existing law that requires the Department of Technology to submit an annual report to the legislature with an inventory of all high-risk automated decision systems used by state agencies. (Sen. Cabaldon.)
AB 1159 would apply the state’s existing student privacy protections (under KOPIPA and ELPIPA) to digital operators with knowledge that the site, service, app, etc, is used for and marketed for school purposes. (Assm. Addis.)
Existing and revived:
SB 813, Sen. McNerney’s bill from 2025, was revived and re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill would establish a California AI Standards and Safety Commission.
SB 574, Sen. Umberg’s bill from 2025, was amended and re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee. The bill would establish protections and standards for attorneys licensed by the state, with regard to their use of AI.
Florida
New this week:
SB 344 and HB 281 would prohibit the use of artificial intelligence in the practice of psychology, clinical social work, marriage and family therapy, and mental health counseling, etc. (Sen. Grall, Rep. Hunschofsky, Rep. Trabulsy.)
SB 202 would require that an insurer’s decision to approve or deny a claim be made by a qualified human professional; AI may not be used as the sole basis for decision. (Sen. Bradley, et al.)
Previously: Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis made headlines last month with his endorsement of a sweeping AI Bill of Rights, and that package was officially filed by Sen. Tom Leek in late December.
SB 482, the Florida AI Bill of Rights, prohibits a governmental entity from extending or renewing a contract with specified entities; creates the "Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights"; provides the rights of Floridians relating to the use of artificial intelligence; requires companion chatbot platforms to prohibit a minor from creating new or maintaining existing accounts unless the minor's parent or guardian consents; prohibits artificial intelligence technology companies from selling or disclosing the personal information of users unless the information is deidentified data, among other things. Sponsor: Sen. Tom Leek (R).
HB 659 would require operators of companion chatbots to verify the age of users and take specified actions for users who are minors. Sponsor: Rep. Christine Hunschofsky (D).
Georgia
HB 171 would prohibit the distribution of computer-generated CSAM. (Rep. Thomas, et al.) The bill was recommitted to the Senate on Jan. 12.
Hawaii
HB 639, and SB 640, carried over from the 2025 session, are companion AI disclosure bills that require notice to consumers when interacting with an AI chatbot. Sponsor: Rep. Trish La Chica (D), et al.
Indiana
HB 1201 would prohibit the use of an artificial intelligence system to impersonate or act as a substitute for a licensed mental health professional. (Rep. Rowray, et al.)
HB 1182 would define digital sexual image abuse and establish the offenses of possession of a digital sexual image and distribution of a digital sexual image. (Rep. Bauer, Rep. Haggard.)
iowa
SSB 3013 would declare that the output of an AI system is owned by the individual who prompted that system.
Kentucky
HB 33, the Kentucky Price Fairness Act, would prohibit the practice of surveillance pricing, which utilizes AI and other technologies. (Rep. Moore, et al.)
maine
Two AI-related bills have been introduced:
LD 2162, would regulate and prevent child access to AI chatbots with human-like features and companion interfaces. (Rep. Gramlich, et al.)
LD 2082 would regulate the use of AI in providing certain mental health services. (Sen. Kuhn, Sen. Pierce.)
Maryland
Four AI-related bills have been introduced:
HB 184 and SB 8 are complementary bills that offer protections against the harms of AI deepfakes. (Del. Pasteur, Sen. Hester et al.)
HB 148 would prohibit the practice of surveillance pricing and surveillance-based wage setting, which utilize AI technology. (Del. Vogel.)
SB 141 deals with deepfakes in political campaign materials. (Sen. Hester.)
Massachusetts
Several AI-related bills are in play:
S 243 and S 264 are separate AI disclosure bills that require consumer notification for software or computer program that simulates human conversation or chatter through text or voice interactions.
H 76 concerns the dissemination of AI-generated deceptive election-related communications. (Rep. Farley-Bouvier.)
S 301 would establish the Massachusetts Information Privacy and Security Act. (Sen. Finegold.)
H 666 would require public schools to have a policy regarding the use of personal electronic devices on school grounds and during school activities. (Rep. Peisch, Rep. Lipper-Garabedian.)
Michigan
Michigan has two AI bills in play:
HB 4667 is the AI crime bill introduced in 2025 by Rep. Sarah Lightner (R) and carried over to the 2026 session.
SB 760, introduced in late December by Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D), is a kids chatbot safety bill. The bill would prohibit chatbot operators from offering products to minors unless it is not capable of encouraging the minor to engage in self-harm, suicidal ideation, violence, consumption of drugs or alcohol, or disordered eating. The chatbot may not offer mental health therapy to the minor without the direct supervision of a licensed or credentialed professional, and it may not discourage the covered minor from seeking help from a qualified professional or a parent or guardian. The bill contains a number of other prohibited actions, responses, and activities.
Missouri
Two Missouri House members, Reps Melissa Schmidt and Rep. Mike Jones (both Republicans), have teamed up to offer a pair of companion bills that create safeguards around AI chatbots for minors.
HB 2031 the Children Harmed by AI Technology Act (CHAT), is a kids chatbot safety bill that includes age verification and parental consent requirements. Sponsors: Rep. Melissa Schmidt (R) Rep. Mike Jones (R).
HB 2032 is a companion bill from the HB 2031 sponsors that prohibits the design and sale of AI chatbots that encourage minors to engage in a variety of harmful and self-harmful actions.
Other AI-related bills introduced this week:
HB 2239 creates the Artificial Intelligence Data Center Environmental Accountability Act. (Rep. Murray.)
HB 2035 is a bill protecting individuals from AI-generated deepfakes. (Rep. Farnan.)
HB 1746 and SB 1474 create the AI Non-Sentience and Responsibility Act, which prohibits any AI system from gaining legal personhood. (Rep. Miller, Sen. Nicola.)
HB 2368 and SB 1444 prohibits any individual or entity that developers or deploys AI from advertising or representing that the AI is or is able to act as a mental health professional or is capable of providing therapy services. (Rep. Peters, Sen. Lewis.)
nebraska
AI-related bills now live in the legislature:
LB 615 would prohibit distributing deepfakes under the Nebraska Political Accountability and Disclosure Act. (Sen. Cavanaugh.)
LB 172 would prohibit the creation and distribution of AI-generated CSAM. (Sen. Hardin.)
LB 642 concerns algorithm discrimination within AI systems. (Sen. Bostar.)
New hampshire
Bills introduced this week:
HB 1406 would prohibit health carriers from using artificial intelligence to change the clinical judgment of a provider. (Rep. Gregg, et al.)
SB 640 concerns the use of artificial intelligence to provide services requiring a professional license. The bill would prohibit the use of an AI system posing as a state-licensed counselor or therapist. (Sen. Pearl, et al.)
HB 1725 would establish the New Hampshire Artificial Intelligence Council. (Rep. Long.)
NEW Jersey
New Jersey has two new bills dealing with AI issues:
S 1802 would require the New Jersey Office of Information Technology to establish minimum requirements for an AI safety test for artificial intelligence technology sold, developed, deployed, used, or offered for sale in the state. Referred to Senate Commerce Committee. (Sen. Singleton, Sen. McKnight.)
SR 52 is a resolution urging generative AI companies to make voluntary commitments regarding employee whistleblower protections. Referred to Senate Labor Committee. (Sen. Mukherji, Sen. Lagana.)
new Mexico
New Mexico Rep. Christine Chandler (D) introduced two AI-related bills in Santa Fe earlier this week:
HB 22 is a deepfake bill that enlarges the existing criminal statute on the unauthorized distribution of sensitive images to include the distribution of sensitive deepfake images.
HB 28, the Artificial Intelligence Transparency Act, is an AI disclosure bill that requires operators of AI systems to notify consumers that they are interacting with an AI model and not a human. The Act also requires operators to offer the opportunity to appeal an AI-aided decision in matters concerning consequential decisions.
New York
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul led off 2026 with a loud endorsement of Sen. Andrew Gounardes’ bill on kids and AI safety, but we have yet to see the bill officially filed. Other recent action includes:
A 6578 and S 6955 are companion bills establishing the Artificial Intelligence Training Data Transparency Act, which would require developers of Gen AI models or services to post on the developer's website information regarding the data used by the developer to train the generative artificial intelligence model or service, including a high-level summary of the datasets used in the development of such system or service. (Assm. Bores, et al., and Sen. Gounardes.)
A 222 and S 5668 are companion bills that deal with AI liability: The bills impose liability for misleading, incorrect, contradictory or harmful information to a user by an AI chatbot that results in financial loss or other demonstrable harm. AB 222 is sponsored by Asm. Clyde Vanel (D) and Asm. Jennifer Lunsford (D), while SB is sponsored by Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (D).
A 8595 and S 8331 are companion bills establishing the New York AI Transparency for Journalism Act. It would require Gen AI developers to post information on the developer's website regarding video, audio, text and data from a covered publication used to train the system; allows journalism providers to bring an action for damages or injunctive relief against developers. (Assm. Otis, Sen. Gonzalez.)
A 6540 and S 6954 are companion AI disclosure bills that would require synthetic content creation system providers to include provenance data on synthetic content produced or modified by a synthetic content creations system that such provider makes available. (Assm. Bores, Sen. Gounardes.)
A 6545 and S 7263 are companion bills carried over from 2025 that impose liability for damages caused by a chatbot impersonating a lawyer or offering services limited to attorneys licensed by the State of New York. Sponsor: Asm. John Zaccaro (D), et al., and Sen. Kristen Gonzalez (D), et al.
A 9317 is a new chatbot disclosure bill introduced by Asm. Linda Rosenthal (D) that would require companion chatbots to include a warning to consumers.
Ohio
Several AI-related bills were introduced in late 2025 and are now live in the 2026 session:
HB 524 would impose penalties on entities whose AI models suggest harming one's self or another person. (Rep. Cockley, et al.)
HB 579 would regulate the use of artificial intelligence by health insurers. (Rep. Schmidt.)
HB 525 would regulate the use of AI systems by state-licensed therapists. (Rep. Cockley, et al.)
HB 469 would declare artificial intelligence systems nonsentient and prohibit them from obtaining legal personhood. (Rep. Claggett.)
HB 628 would create an independent verification organization license for verifying artificial intelligence risk mitigation. (Rep. Mathews, et al.)
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s legislature doesn’t reconvene until Feb. 2, but two significant AI-related bills have been pre-filed:
SB 1521 would prohibit the creation of certain artificial intelligence chatbots, and require age verification measures and protections for users. (Rep. Hamilton.)
SB 2037 would require informed consent for use by licensed mental health professionals or health care providers; it would also authorize and prohibit certain uses. (Sen. Goodwin.)
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has a number of AI-related bills in play so far:
HB 2006 is the Artificial Intelligence in Companionship Applications Safety Act. This bill requires safeguards built into companion chatbots, especially concerning suicidal ideation and/or self-harm.
HB 2100 is a bill to regulate the use of mental health chatbots and artificial intelligence by mental health therapists. Sponsor: Rep. Jennifer O'Mara (D), et al.
HB 1857 would require business entities to disclose the use of artificial intelligence in certain consumer interactions, and establish the right of consumers to human review in high-impact decisions. (Rep. Waxman, et al.)
HB 1993 concerns the use of artificial intelligence in mental health therapy. (Rep. Shusterman, et al.)
HR 331 is a resolution urging the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to adopt safeguards governing the use of artificial intelligence by attorneys. (Rep. Krupa, Rep. Banta.)
SB 1090 is an AI disclosure bill that requires certain disclosures and safeguards relating to the use of artificial intelligence. Sponsor: Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R), et al.
Rhode Island
S 2010 promotes transparency and accountability in AI use by health insurers. (Sen. Ujifusa, et al.)
South carolina
South Carolina has a number of AI-related bills in play:
HB 4675 would enact the South Carolina Community Data Protection And Responsible Surveillance Act, concerning stored surveillance data and AI systems used to track vehicles. (Rep. Kilmartin, et al.)
HB 4591 would enact the "Stop Harm From Addictive Social Media Act. The Act would require covered social media platforms to verify the age of account holders, require parental consent for minors, and create default account settings for minors. (Rep. Guffey, et al.)
S 788 concerns the regulation of state-licensed therapists and the use of AI by same. (Sen. Blackmon.)
Tennessee
Legislators in Tennessee have introduced a House-and-Senate package to regulate AI chatbots by making it a criminal felony to train an AI model or system to encourage harmful acts including suicide, or to develop an emotional relationship with an individual.
HB 1455 is an AI chatbot safety bill that creates a Class A felony offense for knowingly training artificial intelligence to encourage the act of suicide or criminal homicide, or act in specific manners, including developing an emotional relationship with an individual or simulating a human being, including in appearance, voice, or other mannerisms. Sponsor: Rep. Mary Littleton (R).
SB 1493 is a companion bill to HB 1455. Sponsor: Sen. Becky Massey (R).
Other AI-related bills:
SB 1261 would impose requirements for health insurance issuers using artificial intelligence, algorithms, or other software for utilization review. (Sen. Yarbro.)
SB 1580 would prohibit a person from developing or deploying an artificial intelligence system that advertises or represents to the public that such system is or is able to act as a qualified mental health professional. (Sen. Walley.)
SB 1700 would enact the Curbing Harmful AI Technology (CHAT) Act. (Sen. Akbari.)
Virginia
Virginia has a number of AI-related bills in play:
HB 635 would enact the Artificial Intelligence Chatbots Act, which prohibits an operator from making a companion chatbot available to a user in the Commonwealth unless the companion chatbot is incapable of certain actions specified in the bill. The bill also requires an operator of a companion chatbot to include a disclaimer to users of all ages that a companion chatbot is not a human via a static, persistent disclosure. The bill makes it unlawful for any operator of a companion chatbot to operate or provide a companion chatbot to a user unless such companion chatbot contains a protocol to take reasonable efforts for detecting and addressing expressions of suicidal ideation or self-harm by a user to the companion chatbot. (Del. Maldonado.)
HB 668 and SB 269, companion bills, concern the use of artificial intelligence system by mental health service providers. (Del. Maldonado, Sen. Favola.)
HB 638 concerns the regulation of data brokers. Prohibits a person from acquiring personally identifiable information through fraudulent means or acquiring and using such information for the purpose of stalking or harassing another person; committing a fraud, including identity theft, financial fraud, or email fraud; or engaging in unlawful discrimination, including employment discrimination or housing discrimination. (Del. Maldonado.)
HB 758 creates the Artificial Intelligence Chatbots and Minors Act, which would require chatbot deployers ensure that any chatbot does not make human-like features available to minors. (Del. Runion.)
HB 580 concerns artificial intelligence fraud and abuse, expands the duties of the Division of Consumer Counsel to include establishing and administering programs to address artificial intelligence fraud and abuse. (Del. Glass.)
HB 797 would create a framework for any person or entity seeking to act as an independent verification organization (IVO) in order to assess artificial intelligence systems or applications adherence to standards reflecting best practices for the prevention of personal injury and property damage to apply for an IVO license from the Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA).
HB 669 provides that a proprietor that owns, operates, or deploys a chatbot shall not permit such chatbot to provide any substantive response, information, or advice, or take any action that would constitute the unlawful practice of architecture, engineering, surveying, landscape architecture, geology, dentistry, medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, physical therapy, certain mental health professions, psychology, social work, or veterinary medicine. (Del. Maldonado.)
HB 1294 would require the use of covered artificial intelligence in a criminal investigation to be disclosed in a police report filed for that investigation. (Del. Clark.)
HB 713 creates the Fostering Access, Innovation, and Responsibility in Artificial Intelligence Act, which would require a developer of a base artificial intelligence model to clearly disclose certain elements related to the artificial intelligence system. (Del. Thomas.)
HB 1186 would require school boards to adopt policies to prohibit any student from being required, encouraged, or permitted to interact with an artificial intelligence chatbot in order to receive instruction or otherwise complete any lesson or assignment in any course or class. (Del. Rasoul.)
SB 245 concerns social media platforms, requires platform operators to exercise reasonable care to avoid any heightened risk of harm to a minor, in addition to other strictures. (Sen. Head.)
Vermont
Vermont’s AI-related bills in play:
H 340 concerns the regulation of developers and deployers of certain automated decision systems. (Rep. Priestley, et al.)
H 389 involves restricting the use of artificial intelligence to affect rental housing pricing and availability. (Rep. Priestley)
H 644 and S 241 are companion bills regulating the use of artificial intelligence in the provision of mental health service. (Rep. Rachelson, Sen. Gulick, et al.)
H 365 concerns the regulation of social media platforms and artificial intelligence systems. (Rep. Arsenault, Rep. Graning.)
S 23 concerns the use of synthetic media in elections. (Sen. Hardy, et al.)
H 340 concerns the regulation of developers and deployers of certain automated decision systems. (Rep. Priestley, et al.)
H 389 involves restricting the use of artificial intelligence to affect rental housing pricing and availability. (Rep. Priestley)
S 207 would prohibit surveillance pricing in Vermont. (Sen. White, et al.)
H 371 relates to the use of dynamic pricing by retail establishments. (Rep. Greer, et al.)
S 205 concerns a temporary moratorium on AI data centers and a report on the construction and operation of AI data centers in Vermont. (Sen. White, et al.)
Washington
Washington has a number of AI-related bills in play:
HB 2225 and SB 5984 are companion bills regarding AI chatbot safety bill that include a number of safety measures for kids. (Rep. Callan, Sen. Wellman, et al.)
SB 5870 is a chatbot liability bill that establishes civil liability for suicide linked to the use of artificial intelligence systems. Sponsors: Sen. Lisa Wellman (D) and Sen. Sharon Shewmake (D).
SB 5984 concerns the regulation of of artificial intelligence companion chatbots. (Sen. Wellman, et al.)
HB 2503 concerns increasing transparency of training data in artificial intelligence. (Rep. Shavers, et al.)
HB 1170 is an AI disclosure measure that would inform users when content is developed or modified by artificial intelligence. (Rep. Shavers, et al.)
HB 1566 and SB 5395 are companion bills that concern improvements to transparency and accountability with the use of AI in the prior authorization determination process, with regard to health insurance and managed care organizations. (Rep. Rule, Sen. Orwall, et al.)
HB 2029 concerns the recognition of legal personhood by a governmental entity. (Rep. Abell, et al.)
HB 1622 and SB 5422 are companion bills concerning the allowance of labor bargaining over matters related to the use of artificial intelligence. (Rep. Parshley, Sen. Bateman, et al.)
SB 5094 concerns the AI-related creation and distribution of CSAM. (Sen. Dhingra, et al.)
SB 6120 and HB 2157 are companion bills that would regulate high-risk artificial intelligence system development, deployment, and use. (Sen. Wellman, Rep. Ryu, et al.)
SB 5956 addresses artificial intelligence, student discipline, and surveillance in public schools. (Sen. Nobles, et al.)
SB 5105 and HB 1169 are companion bills concerning AI deepfakes and the sexually explicit depictions of minors. Reintroduced from 2025. (Sen. Orwall, Rep. Leavitt, et al.)
HB 2481 would prohibit surveillance-based price discrimination and surge pricing for retail goods. (Rep. Fosse, et al.)
HB 2029 concerns AI and the recognition of legal personhood by a governmental entity. (Rep. Abell, et al.)
Track AI legislation in 2026
