Rhode Island AI Companion Models Act (S 2195 / H 7350)
Rhode Island · R.I. Gen. Laws ch. 6-63 (2026 S 2195 Sub A as amended; H 7350 Sub A as amended) · effective 2027-01-01
Summary
From January 1, 2027, the operator of an AI companion must tell the user, clearly and conspicuously, that they are not communicating with a human: at the beginning of any AI companion interaction and at least every three hours while it continues. An AI companion is a system that simulates a sustained human-like relationship by keeping information from earlier sessions to personalize, asking unprompted emotion-based questions, and sustaining a dialogue on matters personal to the user. Operators must also keep a protocol for expressions of suicide, self-harm or harm to others. Signed June 2026.
Who must comply
Any person or business that operates or provides an AI companion to a user in Rhode Island.
What you must disclose
A clear and conspicuous notification, spoken or in writing, that the user is not communicating with a human.
When: At the beginning of any AI companion interaction and at least every three hours for continuing interactions.
Other duties
- Keep a protocol for possible suicidal ideation or self-harm, and for possible physical harm to others, expressed by a user, with a notice referring the user to crisis services as soon as it is detected.
- From July 1, 2027, file annual reports with the Attorney General on how often the safety protocol was activated.
Exemptions
- Systems a business uses solely for customer service, or strictly to give information about its own products, services or customer accounts.
- Systems primarily designed and marketed for efficiency improvements, research or technical assistance.
- Systems a business uses solely for internal purposes or employee productivity.
Penalties
Civil penalties up to $15,000 per day, with fines directed to suicide prevention programs.