Christine Hunschofsky proposes limits on AI companion chatbots to protect kids from self-harm – Florida Politics
Rep. Christine Hunschofsky is pushing for regulations on emotionally responsive “companion chatbots,” arguing that rapid advances in artificial intelligence demand clearer rules to protect minors and vulnerable users.
Hunschofsky, a Parkland Democrat, recently filed legislation (HB 659) to impose disclosure, safety and reporting requirements for AI systems designed to provide humanlike companionship.
The bill’s focus is on self-harm prevention. If passed, the measure would prohibit operators from allowing companion chatbots to interact with users unless their platforms maintain evidence-based, publicly posted protocols to detect and respond to suicidal ideation.
If a user expresses such thoughts, the system would have to direct users to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Chatbots would also be barred from discussing suicide or self-harm.
“Increasingly, we are seeing heartbreaking cases where young people form deep emotional bonds with AI companions that end up pushing them further toward self-harm,” Hunschofsky said in a statement.
“These companion chatbots blur the lines to the point that people can’t tell the difference between a human and AI.”
There have been several cases in the past couple of years where interactions with chatbots tragically exacerbated the suicidal ideation of impressionable youths.
There was 14-year-old Sewell Setzer of Orlando, whose mother says he developed an intense attachment to a chatbot and the program’s responses worsened his mental state leading up to his death. Similar cases have arisen in California and Colorado.
HB 659, which pends a Senate companion, would mandate prominent disclosures clarifying that companion chatbots are AI-generated, not human, along with warnings that they may be unsuitable for some minors.
Platforms would also be required to offer both anonymous and standard age verification options.
For users known to be minors, HB 659 would require even more explicit disclosures that the user is interacting with artificial intelligence, default reminders at least every three hours encouraging breaks from continued interaction and measures preventing the chatbot from generating sexually explicit visual material or encouraging sexually explicit conduct.
Beginning July 1, 2027, operators would have to submit annual reports to the Department of Legal Affairs detailing how often their platforms issued 988 referrals and describing their suicide-prevention and content-restriction systems. The reports would be prohibited from including personal or identifying user information.
Violations would be treated as unfair or deceptive acts under Florida’s consumer-protection laws and enforced by the Attorney General. Companies would be given 30 days to cure alleged violations before enforcement action.
Hunschofsky’s measure comes amid discord between Florida and President Donald Trump’s administration on how to best proceed with AI regulation. DeSantis has pushed back against claims that a recent executive order Trump signed limits Florida’s ability to regulate AI.
Executive orders cannot preempt states, the Governor said, adding that Florida’s approach to the issue remains consistent with federal guidelines, which he said allow for child-safety and consumer protections.
Hunschofsky said her measure is about setting boundaries before harm becomes widespread.
“While AI continues to advance at a rapid pace, we have to ensure that safeguards are in place for our youth,” she said. “This bill is about protecting our children by making sure there are clear warnings, strong safeguards, and real accountability for the companies that put these companion chatbots on the market.”
Jesse Scheckner has covered South Florida with a focus on Miami-Dade County since 2012. His work has been recognized by the Hearst Foundation, Society of Professional Journalists, Florida Society of News Editors, Florida MMA Awards and Miami New Times. Email him at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @JesseScheckner.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Florida Politics is a statewide, new media platform covering campaigns, elections, government, policy, and lobbying in Florida. This platform and all of its content are owned by Extensive Enterprises Media.
Publisher: Peter Schorsch @PeterSchorschFL
Contributors & reporters: Phil Ammann, Drew Dixon, Roseanne Dunkelberger, Liam Fineout, A.G. Gancarski, Jesse Mendoza, Ryan Nicol, Jacob Ogles, Cole Pepper, Jesse Scheckner, Janelle Taylor, Drew Wilson, and Mike Wright.
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @PeterSchorschFL
Phone: (727) 642-3162
Address: 204 37th Avenue North #182
St. Petersburg, Florida 33704
© Copyright by Extensive-Enterprises 2025. All rights reserved. STAFF LOGIN
