Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Shusterman’s AI chatbot safety bill approved by House

Shusterman’s AI chatbot safety bill approved by House

Rep. Melissa Shusterman    September 28, 2026 | 5:21 PM

HARRISBURG, Sept. 28 – State Rep. Melissa Shusterman, D-Chester, announced that her Artificial Intelligence chatbot safety bill, H.B. 2006, has passed the state House on a vote of 133-70. This bill positions Pennsylvania to be a national leader in protecting minors from the harms of AI companions.

AI chatbots are artificial intelligence products that use algorithms and coding techniques to enable the chatbot to hold continuous conversations about any topic with a human user. These chatbots have been in existence for several years; however, their use is rapidly expanding. Some chatbots are marketed as customizable to users’ preferences or to present as famous individuals. Currently, no federal safety and consumer protection regulations exist for these products.

Seventy-two percent of teenagers reported having interactions with AI chatbots and overall, nearly three-quarters of parents are concerned about the impact of AI on their children. As multiple wrongful death lawsuits move forward, alleging AI chatbots have either encouraged or assisted children and adults in committing suicide or causing harm to themselves or others, states are addressing concerns via a combination of legislation and actions taken by their state attorneys general and governors.

Shusterman’s legislation includes multiple safeguards to protect children and vulnerable adults in our Commonwealth, including:

  • Prohibiting chatbots from assisting - or encouraging - suicide attempts and acts of violence.
  • Prohibiting chatbots from interactions that are intended to promote the isolation of minors - or withholding of information - from parents and trusted adults.
  • Prohibiting the creation of CSAM – child sexual abuse material.
  • Requiring age assurance (similar to age verification) for all users, and parental consent for minors.
  • Requiring chatbot companies to take reasonable measures to prevent minors from being exposed to sexual content.
  • For all users - periodic notifications that a user is talking to AI - not a human.
  • Provisions for non-disclosure and prohibiting the retention of age assurance data past 24 hours.
  • Enforcement by the Office of Attorney General -- including a civil penalty of up to $100,000 per day for each violation, as well as additional remedies and injunctive relief.

“The revolutionary potential of AI and the positive impacts this technology will have on business, government and society is undeniable,” Shusterman said. “Far too many children and adults are creating unhealthy emotional attachments with chatbots -- and are experiencing terrifying interactions. As AI chatbots continue to advance, our society is coming to a bipartisan consensus: we need government to step up. I’m determined to provide commonsense and reasonable safety guardrails.”

This bill now advances to the state Senate for consideration.