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Washington · Law

Washington ESHB 2225 on AI companion chatbots

Adopted, applies laterWashington HB 2225

Summary

From January 1, 2027, operators of companion chatbots with users in Washington must disclose that the bot is AI at the start and every three hours (every hour for minors), maintain a protocol for suicidal ideation and self-harm, and protect minors from sexual content and manipulative engagement techniques. They must publish their protocol and the prior year's number of crisis referrals. Violations are treated as unfair practices under the Consumer Protection Act.

Who it applies to

Operators of AI companion chatbots with users in Washington. According to secondary sources, customer service bots are excluded.

Penalties

Unfair or deceptive act under the Washington Consumer Protection Act, enforceable by the Attorney General and, per secondary sources, by private lawsuits.

Official name
Engrossed Substitute House Bill 2225, Regulating artificial intelligence companion chatbots (Chapter 168, Laws of 2026)
Official reference
ESHB 2225, firmada el 24 de marzo de 2026; capítulo 168, Leyes de 2026; vigente el 1 de enero de 2027
Regulator
Washington Attorney General and courts
Official source
Check the sourceHow we verify sources

Key dates

Obligations and dates

Obligations table
ObligationArticle or citationStatusDateWho it applies toVerification
Disclose AI at the start and periodicallyESHB 2225, sec. 2 (cap. 168, Leyes de 2026)Adopted, applies laterJanuary 1, 2027Applies to companion chatbots with users in Washington.Verified in the official source on November 2, 2026
Self-harm protocol and public reportingESHB 2225, sec. 3Adopted, applies laterJanuary 1, 2027Applies to companion chatbots with users in Washington.Verified in the official source on November 2, 2026
Enhanced protections for minorsESHB 2225, sec. 2Adopted, applies laterJanuary 1, 2027Applies if the operator knows the user is a minor or the chatbot is directed to minors.Verified in the official source on November 2, 2026

Disclose AI at the start and periodically

ESHB 2225, sec. 2 (cap. 168, Leyes de 2026)Adopted, applies later

Applies from January 1, 2027

When it relates
Applies to companion chatbots with users in Washington.
What the rule provides
  • Clearly disclose that the chatbot is artificial and not human at the start and at least every three hours.
  • Prevent the chatbot from claiming to be human or contradicting the notice.
Typical evidence
  • Notice settings and functional tests
Verification
Verified in the official source on November 2, 2026Signing, chapter and effective date checked on app.leg.wa.gov; content per the official final bill report.

Self-harm protocol and public reporting

ESHB 2225, sec. 3Adopted, applies later

Applies from January 1, 2027

When it relates
Applies to companion chatbots with users in Washington.
What the rule provides
  • Do not offer the chatbot without a protocol that detects suicidal ideation or self-harm and refers users to crisis resources.
  • Prevent content that encourages or describes self-harm.
  • Publish on the website and in the app the protocol and the prior year's number of referrals.
Typical evidence
  • Published protocol and annual referral count
Verification
Verified in the official source on November 2, 2026Content per the official final bill report (lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov).

Enhanced protections for minors

ESHB 2225, sec. 2Adopted, applies later

Applies from January 1, 2027

When it relates
Applies if the operator knows the user is a minor or the chatbot is directed to minors.
What the rule provides
  • Repeat the AI notice every hour of continued use.
  • Prevent sexually explicit content or suggestive dialogue with minors.
  • Prohibit manipulative techniques designed to create or prolong an emotional relationship.
Typical evidence
  • Filter and notice settings for minors
Verification
Verified in the official source on November 2, 2026Content per the official final bill report.

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