AI Companions Heatmap
Legislative TrackerAI Companions
Washington
Not yet effective. The rule has been adopted but its effective date has not arrived.
Sources
Why this status
Washington enacted HB 2225 (companion to SB 5984) in March 2026 as Chapter 168, 2026 Laws, with an effective date of January 1, 2027. The bill mandates that AI companion chatbot operators implement and publicly disclose protocols to detect and respond to user expressions of self-harm or suicidal ideation including referrals to crisis resources, requires filters for sexually explicit content for minors, prohibits manipulative engagement techniques targeting minors, and requires transparent disclosure that users are interacting with AI not humans. Enforceable under the state Consumer Protection Act. SB 5984 was introduced by request of Governor Ferguson.
What this means
- Rooted Reality has source URLs on file for this state and topic; the parent-facing posture is pending the next monthly review.