Chatbot bill surge: Nationwide concern spurs 78 proposals in 27 states
Six weeks into the 2026 legislative season, 78 chatbot bills are alive in 27 states, reflecting the growing nationwide concern over the dangers of the powerful new technology.
Feb. 16, 2026 — The growing nationwide concern over the dangers of rushed and untested AI-powered chatbots has lit a fire under state lawmakers. Six weeks into the 2026 legislative season, the Transparency Coalition is monitoring 78 chatbot-related bills introduced in 27 states.
A majority of those measures include requirements to protect kids and implement strong protocols to safeguard the mental and physical health of all individuals who interact with the powerful new technology.
“This is potentially a public health emergency, in some respects, and so that’s what has driven people to action,” Jai Jaisimha, co-founder of the Transparency Coalition, told Pluribus News late last week. The Coalition is working with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle on chatbot bills in 20 states.
Chatbot safety has emerged as a rare bipartisan issue, with bills evenly spread among both red states and blue states. Chatbot bills are under consideration in Utah, Nebraska, South Dakota, Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, Iowa, and Kentucky, among other traditionally conservative-leaning states. Similar bills are moving forward in California, Oregon, Washington, New York, Vermont, and Hawaii.
chatbot bill tracker map
Hover over a state to see how many chatbot bills have been introduced. Select the state to see details about each bill.
More about chatbots
