Utah Companion Chatbot Safety Act (HB 438)
Utah Companion Chatbot Safety Act (HB 438) in Utah: active, effective August 1, 2026. Applies to Operators of companion chatbots (AI systems simulating relationships or expressing emotions) serving Utah users. Age range: Under 18. Notice that the chatbot is not human where a reasonable person might
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Utah |
|---|---|
| Category | AI Chatbot Safety |
| Status | active |
| Effective date | August 1, 2026 |
| Age range | Under 18 |
| Applies to | Operators of companion chatbots (AI systems simulating relationships or expressing emotions) serving Utah users |
Key requirements
- Notice that the chatbot is not human where a reasonable person might believe otherwise; reminders every three hours for minors
- Must comply with Utah Consumer Privacy Act data protections; advertising restrictions
- Design must prohibit responses encouraging suicide, self-harm, or harm to others
- Rulemaking authority for age assurance standards
- Annual reporting to the Office of AI Policy; Division of Consumer Protection enforcement plus private right of action ($1,000 statutory damages)
Notes
Passed House 68-1 and Senate 26-1 in the 2026 session; effective August 1, 2026.
Frequently asked
What does Utah Companion Chatbot Safety Act (HB 438) require?
Notice that the chatbot is not human where a reasonable person might believe otherwise; reminders every three hours for minors Must comply with Utah Consumer Privacy Act data protections; advertising restrictions Design must prohibit responses encouraging suicide, self-harm, or harm to others Rulemaking authority for age assurance standards Annual reporting to the Office of AI Policy; Division of Consumer Protection enforcement plus private right of action ($1,000 statutory damages)
Who must comply with Utah Companion Chatbot Safety Act (HB 438) in Utah?
Operators of companion chatbots (AI systems simulating relationships or expressing emotions) serving Utah users
When does Utah Companion Chatbot Safety Act (HB 438) take effect and what is its status?
Effective August 1, 2026. Current status: active. Passed House 68-1 and Senate 26-1 in the 2026 session; effective August 1, 2026.
Related laws
| Law | Jurisdiction | Category | Status | Effective |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Minor Protection in Social Media Act (SB 194) | Utah | Social Media | challenged | October 1, 2024 (enjoined) |
| Utah App Store Accountability Act (SB 142, amended by HB 498) | Utah | App Store Accountability | pending | May 6, 2027 (delayed from May 6, 2026) |
| Age Verification for Harmful Content | Utah | Age Verification | active | Active |
| California Companion AI Chatbot Safety Act (SB 243) | California | AI Chatbot Safety | active | January 1, 2026 |
| California Adam's Law — Companion Chatbot Minor Protections (SB 1119) | California | AI Chatbot Safety | pending | TBD (awaiting Governor) |
| Colorado AI Companion Chatbot Safety Act (HB 26-1263) | Colorado | AI Chatbot Safety | pending | January 1, 2027 |
| Connecticut AI Responsibility and Transparency Act — Chatbot Minor Protections (SB 5 / P.A. 26-15) | Connecticut | AI Chatbot Safety | pending | January 1, 2027 (minor provisions); October 1, 2026 (general) |
| Georgia AI Chatbot Disclosure and Child Safety Act (SB 540) | Georgia | AI Chatbot Safety | pending | July 1, 2027 |
Put it into practice
- Generate the policy: NIST AI RMF policy generator (generatepolicy.com)
- Buy the policy pack: NIST AI RMF Implementation Policy (cyberpolicy.shop)
- Build it yourself: Pillar 06 Companion — The 2026 AI Risk Register (ciso.diy)