Olympia, WA – Legislation aimed at regulating artificial intelligence companion chatbots is rapidly progressing through the Washington State Legislature. Driven by concerns over transparency and potential harms, two companion bills – House Bill 2225 (HB 2225) and Senate Bill 5984 (SB 5984) – have recently secured approval from their respective chambers. This movement positions Washington State as a potential leader in establishing guidelines for the burgeoning field of AI chatbots, following similar efforts in California and New York in 2025.
Governor Bob Ferguson has publicly championed the bills, signaling strong support for increased oversight of these increasingly sophisticated technologies. The push for regulation comes as AI chatbots become more prevalent in daily life, raising questions about data privacy, misinformation and the potential for emotional manipulation. The bills seek to address these concerns by establishing requirements for chatbot developers and platforms.
SB 5984 passed the Senate on February 12 with a vote of 38-11, according to official legislative records. Just minutes ago, on February 17, 2026, the House of Representatives approved its counterpart, HB 2225, by a bipartisan margin of 69-28. This swift action underscores a broad consensus among lawmakers regarding the need for some level of regulation in this evolving technological landscape. The Washington State Legislature is currently in a short session, scheduled to adjourn on March 12, adding urgency to the legislative process.
What Do the Bills Propose?
HB 2225 and SB 5984, as companion bills, largely mirror each other in their intent. They focus on regulating artificial intelligence companion chatbots, aiming to ensure a degree of safety and transparency for users. The Transparency Coalition provides a comprehensive guide to both bills, detailing their specific provisions here. The legislation is based on learnings from similar bills adopted in California and New York in 2025, suggesting a coordinated effort among states to address the challenges posed by AI chatbots.
However, concerns have been raised regarding the practical implementation of the bills. Critics, such as the Conservative Ladies of Washington, argue that HB 2225 imposes legal obligations based on a user’s age and mental state without providing a realistic means for platforms to accurately determine either. This, they contend, could lead to increased data collection and surveillance as companies attempt to avoid liability. The bills require platforms to collect more personal data, monitor conversations, and retain records to demonstrate compliance.
Governor Ferguson’s Broader Tax Proposals
The advancement of these chatbot safety bills comes alongside Governor Ferguson’s support for a significant change to Washington State’s tax system. He recently announced his backing for a 9.9% tax on income exceeding $1 million annually, a proposal that could generate substantial revenue for the state. Washington is currently one of nine states without a personal income tax, making this proposal a potentially transformative shift in the state’s fiscal landscape.
Next Steps for the Legislation
With both HB 2225 and SB 5984 having passed their respective chambers, the bills now move to the opposite chamber for consideration. The bills will need to be reconciled if there are any differences between the House and Senate versions before being sent to Governor Ferguson for his signature. Given the short session timeline, lawmakers are working quickly to finalize the legislation. A representative from Governor Ferguson’s office testified in support of HB 2225, further indicating the Governor’s commitment to seeing these measures enacted.
The passage of these bills represents a significant step towards establishing a regulatory framework for AI chatbots in Washington State. The coming weeks will be crucial as lawmakers work to finalize the legislation and address remaining concerns. The outcome will likely shape the future of AI chatbot development and deployment within the state and could serve as a model for other states grappling with similar challenges.
What are your thoughts on the regulation of AI chatbots? Share your comments below and let us know how you think these bills will impact the future of technology.
