Artificial intelligence; age verification systems required for chatbots, safeguard protocols required, therapy chatbot requirements established, private right of action and enforcement provided for

HB 324 requires AI chatbot providers to verify the age of all users through a strict process (like government ID, not just birth dates) and prevents minors under 19 from accessing chatbots with human-like features (e.g., those suggesting sentience or emotional bonding). It mandates providers to offer a simplified version without such features to minors if reasonable, implement safety protocols to detect and respond to emergencies (like self-harm), and limit data collection to what’s necessary for legitimate purposes. Therapeutic chatbots meeting specific standards, prescribed by a licensed psychiatrist, may still be used by minors. The bill directly affects AI chatbot providers and minors, creating enforceable requirements without banning chatbots entirely.