Editing News-April-2026 (section)

== Nineteen States Pass New AI Laws in 2026 ==

Nineteen new AI-related bills have been signed into law across U.S. states in the first quarter of 2026, according to Plural Policy's April 2026 legislative tracker.<ref>[https://pluralpolicy.com/blog/the-ai-governance-watch-april-2026-nineteen-new-ai-bills-passed-into-law/ Plural Policy, "The AI Governance Watch — April 2026: Nineteen New AI Bills Passed Into Law" (April 2026)]</ref> The laws cover a range of topics including chatbot regulation, healthcare AI, education, transparency, and child safety.

=== Notable Signed Laws ===

* '''Idaho S 1227''': Establishes a comprehensive framework for the use of generative artificial intelligence in K-12 public education
* '''Idaho S 1297''': Establishes regulations for conversational AI services
* '''New York S 8828''' (RAISE Act amendments): Signed March 27, 2026
* '''Oregon SB 1546''': Establishes regulations for AI companion platforms with a private right of action
* '''Tennessee SB 1580''': Prohibits AI systems from representing themselves as qualified mental health professionals

=== National Context ===

Utah's legislative package brings the total number of new AI laws enacted in 2026 to approximately 25 nationwide, up from just six at the beginning of March.

''See individual article: [[News Nineteen States Pass AI Laws 2026]]''

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