Welcome to the forefront of conversational AI as we explore the fascinating world of AI chatbots in our dedicated blog series. Discover the latest advancements, applications, and strategies that propel the evolution of chatbot technology. From enhancing customer interactions to streamlining business processes, these articles delve into the innovative ways artificial intelligence is shaping the landscape of automated conversational agents. Whether you’re a business owner, developer, or simply intrigued by the future of interactive technology, join us on this journey to unravel the transformative power and endless possibilities of AI chatbots.
Gov. Bob Ferguson, center, holds a signed copy of HB 2225, an AI chatbot safety bill passed by the state legislature earlier this month. Rep. Lisa Callan, the bill’s sponsor, stands to the Governor’s right. Directly behind her are Transparency Coalition leaders Jai Jaisimha (in blue suit) and Steve Wimmer. (Photo: Transparency Coalition)
March 24, 2026 — On a landmark day for AI safety and transparency, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson this morning signed two AI-related bills into law before a gathering of parents, advocates, and lawmakers in Olympia. The measures adopted were:
HB 2225, an AI chatbot safety measure sponsored by Rep. Lisa Callan (D-Issaquah) and Sen. Lisa Wellman (D-Mercer Island). The new law includes both specific safeguards for minors and protocols for all users regarding suicidal ideation and self-harm.
HB 1170, an AI disclosure law sponsored by Rep. Clyde Shavers (D-Whidbey Island). The new law will require AI operators to inform users when content is developed or modified through the use of artificial intelligence.
Both bills were high-priority measures for the Transparency Coalition (TCAI), which provided policy and technical expertise as the measures made their way through the House and Senate.
The AI chatbot safety bill had been requested late last year by Gov. Ferguson, who worked with Rep. Callan and Sen. Wellman to move it through this year’s short legislative session.
“I speak partly as a governor,” Ferguson said at today’s signing ceremony, “but also as a father of teenage twins, who grapples with this as a lot of parents do every single day. We’ve all read news stories about the harm AI chatbots can do to our kids when these safeguards are not in place. There have been stories of teens turning to these chatbots in times of distress before, quite tragically, ultimately ending their lives. That’s why I requested House Bill 2225.”
TCAI’s full guide to HB 2225 and its requirements is available here.
The bill requires chatbot operators to clearly disclose that the bot is artificial and not human. If an operator knows the user is a minor, the operator must implement measures to prevent the chatbot from generating explicit sexual content or using manipulative engagement techniques.
HB 2225 also includes suicidal and self-harm protocols for users of all ages.
“I’m grateful to everybody who was involved in this legislation, especially families,” said Gov. Ferguson. “We know there are families here who are directly impacted by this issue. And as every legislator would agree, the most persuasive testimony at any hearing is someone directly impacted by whatever the issue is before the legislature or before the governor. So we really appreciate individuals being willing to do that, which is not easy.”
Beau Perschbacher (left), Gov. Ferguson’s senior policy advisor, worked with the bill’s sponsor, Rep. Lisa Callan, and TCAI’s Jai Jaisimha and Steve Wimmer on the measure’s language and amendments. The bill’s co-sponsor, Sen. Lisa Wellman, was unable to attend today’s ceremony. (Photo: Transparency Coalition)
Gov. Ferguson also signed HB 1170, an AI disclosure bill that will allow consumers to know when artificial intelligence was used to create or modify content.
The Transparency Coalition has partnered with Rep. Clyde Shavers, author of the bill, over the past two legislative sessions to get the measure passed.
“By making it clear when AI generates media, Washingtonians are better protected against confusion, deception, and misinformation,” Gov. Ferguson said of the bill. “I am confident I’m not the only Washingtonian who will often see something on my phone and wonder to myself, is that AI or is it real? I’m a reasonably discerning person, and it is virtually impossible these days.”
“AI is a wonderful new technology,” he added. “It has a lot of potential for our state to do a lot of good. But like any new tecnhology we have to make sure we’re being mindful of the advantages and the potential consequences that are not so positive. And that’s why I so appreciate all the folks who are here who have worked so hard to try to find that right balance.”
HB 1770 sponsor Rep. Clyde Shavers, right, celebrates the bill’s signing in Olympia with TCAI’s Steve Wimmer, left, and Jai Jaisimha. (Photo: Transparency Coalition)
On a landmark day for AI safety and transparency, Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson this morning signed two AI-related bills into law before a gathering of parents, advocates, and lawmakers in Olympia.
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.
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