AL HB324

AI chatbot deployers must implement reasonable age verification (government ID or commercial verification system) for all users and prohibit minors under 19 from accessing chatbots with "human-like features" such as expressing emotions, seeking emotional relationships, or impersonating real people

Deployers must provide minors with alternative chatbot versions without human-like features when reasonable, and must implement systems to detect and respond to emergency situations where users express intent to harm themselves or others

Therapeutic AI chatbots may be prescribed to minors by licensed psychiatrists if they meet specific requirements including clear disclaimers, peer-reviewed clinical trial data, professional monitoring, and established accountability for harm

Minors or their parents may bring civil actions seeking injunctive relief and damages up to $750 per violation; the Attorney General may pursue civil penalties up to $2,500 per violation or $7,500 for intentional violations

Effective date: October 1, 2026