Washington · 2025-2026 Biennium (69th Legislature)

Regulating artificial intelligence companion chatbots.

AN ACT Relating to regulation of artificial intelligence companion chatbots;

ESSB 5984·Senate·Bill

Sen. Lisa WellmanState Senate · LD-41·8 cosponsors

Fiscal noteState YesLocal Yes

Primary sponsor

Lisa WellmanState Senate · LD-41

Cosponsors

Sharon ShewmakeState Senate · LD-42

Noel FrameState Senate · LD-36

Bob HasegawaState Senate · LD-11

T'wina NoblesState Senate · LD-28

Jamie PedersenState Senate · LD-43

Marcus RiccelliState Senate · LD-03

Javier ValdezState Senate · LD-46

Jeff WilsonState Senate · LD-19

Floor votes

Senate · 3rd Reading & Final Passage · ESSB 5984Feb 12, 202638–11

Legislative history

Jan 6, 2026

Prefiled for introduction.

Jan 12, 2026

First reading, referred to Environment, Energy & Technology.

Jan 30, 2026

ENET - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

Jan 30, 2026

Minority; do not pass.

Jan 30, 2026

Minority; without recommendation.

Feb 2, 2026

Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

Feb 10, 2026

Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

Feb 12, 2026

1st substitute bill substituted.

Feb 12, 2026

Floor amendment(s) adopted.

Feb 12, 2026

Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

Feb 12, 2026

Third reading, passed; yeas, 38; nays, 11; absent, 0; excused, 0.

Feb 14, 2026

First reading, referred to Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans.

Feb 24, 2026

TEDV - Executive action taken by committee.

Feb 24, 2026

TEDV - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

Feb 24, 2026

Minority; do not pass.

Feb 24, 2026

Minority; without recommendation.

Feb 25, 2026

Referred to Rules 2 Review.

Mar 12, 2026

By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.

Bill text

Original Bill Substitute Bill Engrossed Substitute

Amendments

Floor amendment by Wellman (Adopted)Committee amendment by Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans (Not considered)

Bill reports

Senate Bill Report (Orig.) — Initial Bill Report 01-20-26 Senate Bill Report — Testimony Added 01-20-26 Senate Bill Report — Reported by ENET 01-30-26 Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill Report — Passed Senate 02-12-26 Engrossed Substitute House Bill Analysis 2026 — Initial House Analysis 02-20-26 Engrossed Substitute House Bill Report — Reported by TEDV 02-24-26