Deepfakes and chatbots led the concerns of lawmakers in 2025, with red and blue states enacting measures to protect kids and personal identity. Also: A law against AI posing as a nurse, a ban on China’s DeepSeek model, and ‘humans-only’ laws covering therapists and college instructors.
Every Friday, TCAI brings you an overview of AI-related legislation moving through state legislatures. This week: Washington and Utah pass major AI bills on the eve of adjournment. Virginia passes three AI bills prior to heading home, and it looks like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ AI Bill of Rights is stalled in the House.
Washington lawmakers gave final passage last night to an AI companion chatbot safety bill, HB 2225, on the eve of adjournment. This is the second chatbot safety bill to pass in 2026, following Oregon’s approval of a similar bill late last week.
Rep. Clyde Shavers worked with the Transparency Coalition to craft HB 1170, an AI transparency measure that establishes a standard for notifying consumers about the use of AI. The bill was adopted and moved to the desk of Gov. Bob Ferguson on March 11.
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.
Every Friday, TCAI brings you an overview of AI-related legislation moving through state legislatures. This week: Washington and Utah pass major AI bills on the eve of adjournment. Virginia passes three AI bills prior to heading home, and it looks like Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’ AI Bill of Rights is stalled in the House.