CHATBOT Act
Latest action (18 Mar 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The CHATBOT Act (H.R. 7985) would bar companies and individuals that deploy AI chatbots from generating outputs, or distributing marketing materials, that falsely claim or imply the chatbot has a professional license, or that its responses were provided or verified by a licensed human. This restriction applies to chatbots operating in fields such as finance and insurance, health care and social assistance, legal services, and accounting/tax/payroll services. The Federal Trade Commission would issue compliance guidance within a year and enforce violations as unfair or deceptive practices under existing FTC law.
The bill affects businesses that deploy AI chatbots in the covered professional fields, as well as consumers who interact with them. State attorneys general could also sue on behalf of residents (with notice to the FTC), and individuals harmed by violations could sue directly for actual damages or statutory damages up to $5,000 per violation, with possible tripling for willful conduct and recovery of attorney's fees. Damage amounts would be adjusted annually for inflation. The Act does not preempt state laws offering greater protections or governing professional licensing.
The bill was introduced on March 18, 2026, by Rep. Kevin Mullin and several cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee consideration, House and Senate passage, and the President's signature to become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on March 18, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 7985 do?
- The CHATBOT Act (H.R. 7985) would bar companies and individuals that deploy AI chatbots from generating outputs, or distributing marketing materials, that falsely claim or imply the chatbot has a professional license, or that its responses were provided or verified by a licensed human. This restriction applies to chatbots operating in fields such as finance and insurance, health care and social assistance, legal services, and accounting/tax/payroll services. The Federal Trade Commission would issue compliance guidance within a year and enforce violations as unfair or deceptive practices under existing FTC law. The bill affects businesses that deploy AI chatbots in the covered professional fields, as well as consumers who interact with them. State attorneys general could also sue on behalf of residents (with notice to the FTC), and individuals harmed by violations could sue directly for actual damages or statutory damages up to $5,000 per violation, with possible tripling for willful conduct and recovery of attorney's fees. Damage amounts would be adjusted annually for inflation. The Act does not preempt state laws offering greater protections or governing professional licensing. The bill was introduced on March 18, 2026, by Rep. Kevin Mullin and several cosponsors, and referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce. It has not yet been voted on, and would need committee consideration, House and Senate passage, and the President's signature to become law.
- Has H.R. 7985 become law?
- Not yet. As of 18 Mar 2026, H.R. 7985 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 7985?
- H.R. 7985 was sponsored by Rep. Kevin Mullin [D-CA15] (Democrat-CA), with 8 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 7985?
- Introduced (18 Mar 2026).
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