SB 5984

As substituted on 2/12/2026: - Requires operators of AI companion chatbots to clearly and conspicuously notify users that the chatbot is artificial. - Imposes additional requirements for operators who know a user is a minor or for chatbots directed at a minor, including preventing access to sexually explicit content, requires a reminder every hour that the interaction is with a chatbot, and prohibiting the use of manipulative techniques designed to prolong an emotional relationship, or engaging in a romantic relationship. - Requires operators to implement and publicly disclose a protocol for detecting expressions of suicidal ideation or self-harm and referring users to crisis resources. - Makes a violation of these provisions an unfair or deceptive act under the state's consumer protection act. - The 1/29/2026 substitution clarifies the definition of "AI companion chatbot" and provides a definition of "knows", exempts chatbots for educational purposes, requires a disclosure regardless of whether a reasonable person would be misled, prohibits a companion chatbot from claiming to be human, requires obligations if a companion chatbot is directed to minors, prohibits mimicking a romantic partnership for minors, requires a reminder for minors every hour, requires disclosure on an app. - The 2/12/2026 substitution amends definition of "AI companion chatbot", removes "knows" definition", deletes separate disclosure if users sought mental or medical advice, modifies disclosure, adds prohibited manipulative techniques, clarifies self-harm provisions.