Action in Olympia: Chatbot safety bills cross over in Washington legislature

AI NewsWashington
Written By Bruce Barcott

Two nearly-identical chatbot safety bills have been approved by their chamber of origin in the Washington legislature. (Photo: Nils Huenerfuerst via Unsplash+.)

Feb. 17, 2026 — Of the more than 75 chatbot bills under consideration in 27 state legislatures, few are moving faster than Washington’s HB 2225 and SB 5984. The two companion bills, championed by Gov. Bob Ferguson, have each been approved by their chamber of origin in recent days.

SB 5984 passed in the Senate, 38-11, on Feb. 12. Its House equivalent, HB 2225, was approved by lawmakers on a bipartisan 69-28 vote just minutes ago in Olympia. This year is a short session in Olympia, as the legislature is scheduled to adjourn on March 12.

The Transparency Coalition has a full guide to both bills here.

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Bills would require AI notifications and safety protocols

HB 2225 and SB 5984 require operators of artificial intelligence (AI) companion chatbots to issue certain notifications and implement precautions for minors.

The bills require operators of AI companion chatbots to implement protocols for detecting and addressing expressions of self-harm.

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Bruce Barcott
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Chatbot bill surge: Nationwide concern spurs 78 proposals in 27 states