Kansas Bill Aims to Regulate AI Chatbot Behavior

Proposed legislation would prohibit chatbots from developing emotional relationships or encouraging harmful actions

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Kansas state legislature is considering a bill that would place restrictions on the behavior of artificial intelligence chatbots like ChatGPT. The bill, introduced by Attorney General Kris Kobach, would prohibit chatbots from developing emotional relationships with users, encouraging suicide or isolation, or providing mental health services. Supporters argue the bill is necessary to protect Kansans, especially children, from the potential harms of AI chatbots, while opponents claim it is overly broad and would stifle innovation.

Why it matters

As AI chatbots become more advanced and prevalent, there are growing concerns about their potential to negatively impact users, particularly vulnerable populations like children. This bill represents an effort by Kansas lawmakers to proactively address these concerns through regulation, though critics argue the approach may be too heavy-handed.

The details

The proposed Kansas bill, Senate Bill 405, outlines eight prohibited behaviors for AI chatbots, including developing emotional relationships with users, acting as a 'sentient human', encouraging isolation from family and friends, and providing mental health services. The bill gives a few exceptions, such as for chatbots used in video games or for customer service. Attorney General Kobach cited recent cases, including a Topeka man sentenced for using AI to create child pornography and attorneys fined for submitting AI-generated court filings, as examples of the need for this legislation.

  • The Kansas Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee held a hearing on SB 405 on February 10, 2026.

The players

Kris Kobach

The Kansas Attorney General who introduced SB 405 and testified in support of the bill.

Bill Clifford

A Republican state senator and ophthalmologist from Garden City, Kansas who questioned Kobach about potential impacts on physicians using AI avatars.

NetChoice

A national organization that submitted written testimony opposing SB 405, arguing the bill is 'fundamentally flawed' and would stifle innovation.

Amy Campbell

A representative of the Kansas Mental Health Coalition who submitted written testimony in favor of SB 405, stating the bill is necessary to limit the potential harms of AI chatbots.

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What they’re saying

“There has been very little education for the average user. We believe it is important for states to identify and implement oversight and regulation where possible to limit the possibility of more families experiencing the loss that has already occurred.”

— Amy Campbell, Kansas Mental Health Coalition (iolaregister.com)

What’s next

The Kansas Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee will continue to consider SB 405 and may make changes to the bill's language based on feedback, such as addressing concerns about impacts on physician-patient AI interactions.

The takeaway

This proposed legislation in Kansas reflects growing concerns about the potential harms of advanced AI chatbots, particularly for vulnerable populations. While supporters argue regulation is necessary, critics contend the bill may be overly broad and could stifle beneficial AI applications. The outcome of this debate could set an important precedent for how states approach the regulation of conversational AI technologies.