WI SB939

Prohibits operators from making "companion chatbots" (AI systems that simulate sustained humanlike relationships through personalized interactions and emotion-based dialogue) available to Wisconsin children under 18 unless safety measures prevent the chatbot from encouraging self-harm, violence, drug use, illegal activity, or sexually explicit content

Requires companion chatbots for children to avoid offering mental health services, discouraging children from seeking help from professionals, prioritizing validation over factual accuracy or safety, and optimizing engagement over safety measures

Exempts customer service chatbots, research/technical assistance tools, and internal business productivity systems from the definition of "companion chatbot"

Authorizes DATCP or DOJ to investigate violations and seek civil forfeitures up to $25,000 per violation per day, injunctive relief, and attorney fees; also creates private right of action for harmed children or their parents to recover actual and punitive damages

Includes transition period until January 1, 2027, during which operators are only liable if they have actual knowledge the user is a child; takes effect on the first day of the 3rd month after publication