News Idaho S 1297 Conversational AI Safety Act 2026

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Idaho Senate Bill 1297 (the Conversational AI Safety Act)[1] is an Idaho state law signed on April 1, 2026, that establishes a regulatory framework for "conversational AI services" — AI software, web interfaces, or programs accessible to the public that primarily simulate human conversation via text, visuals, or audio.[2][3] The law adds Chapter 21 to Title 48 of the Idaho Code.[2]

Overview

Idaho S 1297 is one of several state "chatbot safety" laws enacted in early 2026, alongside similar legislation in Oregon (SB 1546), Tennessee (SB 1700), and Nebraska (LB 1185). It addresses consumer protection and public health concerns related to AI systems that simulate human conversation.[4]

Key Provisions

Disclosure Requirements

Operators must clearly and conspicuously disclose that the service is AI if reasonable users might believe they are interacting with a human.[2]

Mental Health Protections

  • Mandated protocols for responding to user prompts about suicidal ideation, including referring users to crisis services like suicide hotlines[2]
  • Prohibits representations that the AI provides professional mental or behavioral health care[2]

Minor Protections

For users under 18 (with additional rules for under 13):

  • Persistent visible disclaimers that the service is AI
  • Session-start notices every three hours
  • Privacy tools and parental controls
  • Note: Age verification methods are not specified in the statute[2]

Enforcement

Enforcement is through the Idaho Attorney General:

  • Civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation (capped at $500,000 per operator)
  • Alternatively, actual damages
  • No private right of action[2]

Significance

Idaho S 1297 is notable for:

  • Being among the first wave of state chatbot safety laws in 2026
  • Including specific mental health crisis response mandates
  • Lacking a private right of action (unlike Oregon SB 1546)
  • Establishing age-differentiated requirements for minors (under 13 vs. under 18)

See Also

References

  1. ↑ LegiScan, Idaho S 1297 (2026)
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Idaho Freedom, Senate Bill 1297: Conversational AI Safety Act
  3. ↑ FastDemocracy, Idaho S 1297
  4. ↑ Troutman Pepper, Proposed State AI Law Update — April 6, 2026
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