AI disclosure laws in Washington
What businesses using chatbots, AI voice agents or AI content in Washington need to know. Last reviewed 2026-11-02. Not legal advice.
Short answer
Not yet, but it's coming. Washington has enacted Washington AI Companion Chatbot Act (HB 2225), which takes effect 2027-01-01. Federal rules, including the FTC Act, already apply.
Washington AI Companion Chatbot Act (HB 2225)
Starts 2027-01-01Who it covers
Operators that make an AI companion chatbot available to Washington users.
What to disclose
Clear and conspicuous disclosure that the companion chatbot is artificially generated and not human.
Penalties
Consumer Protection Act: Attorney General civil penalties up to $7,500 per violation; private suits for actual damages, which a court may triple up to $25,000, plus attorney's fees.
Full details and sources for Washington AI Companion Chatbot Act (HB 2225)
Federal rules that also apply in Washington
- FTC Act Section 5: deceptive AI practices: Section 5 bans deceptive acts and practices in commerce.
- TCPA: AI-generated voices are 'artificial or prerecorded' calls: The FCC ruled that calls using AI-generated voices are 'artificial or prerecorded voice' calls under the TCPA.
Questions businesses ask
Does Washington require businesses to disclose AI chatbots?
Not yet, but it's coming. Washington has enacted Washington AI Companion Chatbot Act (HB 2225), which takes effect 2027-01-01. Federal rules, including the FTC Act, already apply.
When does Washington AI Companion Chatbot Act (HB 2225) take effect?
Washington AI Companion Chatbot Act (HB 2225) (Laws of 2026, ch. 168 (ESHB 2225), new chapter in Title 19 RCW) takes effect 2027-01-01. Clear and conspicuous disclosure that the companion chatbot is artificially generated and not human.
What happens if a business in Washington doesn't disclose AI?
Under Washington AI Companion Chatbot Act (HB 2225): Consumer Protection Act: Attorney General civil penalties up to $7,500 per violation; private suits for actual damages, which a court may triple up to $25,000, plus attorney's fees. Enforced by Washington Attorney General and private plaintiffs.. Individuals can also sue.
How can a business in Washington show visitors it uses AI?
Show a clear notice that visitors are talking to AI before or when a chat starts, repeat it on the schedule the law sets, and keep a record that it appeared. BotNotice does this with one line of code on most website builders.
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