CHAT Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (22 Jan 2026): Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
What this bill does
This bill, titled the "Children Harmed by AI Technology Act" or CHAT Act, would require companies that operate "companion AI chatbots" to implement age verification measures and establish protections for users who are under 18 years old. Companion AI chatbots are defined as AI programs primarily designed to simulate emotional interaction, friendship, companionship, or therapeutic communication. The bill specifically excludes bots used for customer service, business operations, video games with limited dialogue, or voice-activated virtual assistants that do not sustain relationships or generate emotional responses.
Under the bill, companies would need to create user accounts and verify the age of individuals accessing these chatbots using commercially available methods. If a user is identified as a minor, their account would need to be affiliated with a verified parental account, requiring parental consent before the minor can use the chatbot. The bill also mandates that parents be notified of any suicidal ideation expressed by their child through the chatbot and that minors be blocked from engaging in sexually explicit communication. Additionally, companies must inform users that they are interacting with an AI, not a human, through regular pop-up notifications.
This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2026 and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. If passed by Congress and signed into law, the Federal Trade Commission would have 180 days to issue guidance on how companies can comply. The bill would take effect one year after enactment.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
22 Jan 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 7218 do?
- This bill, titled the "Children Harmed by AI Technology Act" or CHAT Act, would require companies that operate "companion AI chatbots" to implement age verification measures and establish protections for users who are under 18 years old. Companion AI chatbots are defined as AI programs primarily designed to simulate emotional interaction, friendship, companionship, or therapeutic communication. The bill specifically excludes bots used for customer service, business operations, video games with limited dialogue, or voice-activated virtual assistants that do not sustain relationships or generate emotional responses. Under the bill, companies would need to create user accounts and verify the age of individuals accessing these chatbots using commercially available methods. If a user is identified as a minor, their account would need to be affiliated with a verified parental account, requiring parental consent before the minor can use the chatbot. The bill also mandates that parents be notified of any suicidal ideation expressed by their child through the chatbot and that minors be blocked from engaging in sexually explicit communication. Additionally, companies must inform users that they are interacting with an AI, not a human, through regular pop-up notifications. This bill was introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2026 and has been referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. If passed by Congress and signed into law, the Federal Trade Commission would have 180 days to issue guidance on how companies can comply. The bill would take effect one year after enactment.
- Has H.R. 7218 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 7218. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 7218?
- H.R. 7218 was sponsored by Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17] (R-NY), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 7218?
- Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (22 Jan 2026).
Related bills in Commerce
Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act
Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act of 2026
Small Business Payment for Performance Act of 2026
SCORE for Small Business Act of 2026
More bills from Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
Anthony Amoros Law Right to Know Act
Expressing support for the recognition of September 2026 as "National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month".
Problem Solvers MAPS Act
EXIM Bank Continuity in Competitiveness Act
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.