With an overwhelming, bipartisan vote of 10-3, HB26-1263 moves one step closer to  protecting Colorado youth and users of all ages

DENVER, CO – In a hearing today in the House Business Affairs and Labor Committee, sponsors of HB26-1263, Conversational Artificial Intelligence Service Operator Requirements, were joined by families, youth advocates, and tech experts who shared powerful testimony in support of the bill to regulate conversational AI technology.

If passed, Colorado would join states across the country taking action to protect users, particularly youth, from the demonstrated harms of unregulated conversational AI technology.

“Every day that we wait to act is another day that youth in Colorado are interacting with conversation AI technology that is designed to encourage emotional dependence,” said Rep. Javier Mabrey (D-Denver). “Our bill is a critical first step to protecting users of all ages as this technology advances at an unprecedented pace. We look forward to bringing the bill to the House floor and ultimately to Governor Polis’ desk.”

“This is a common-sense bill that is technically feasible, legally sound, and most importantly, has the teeth to protect all users, but particularly young users, from the clear and present dangers presented by unregulated conversational AI technology,” added Rep. Sean Camacho (D-Denver). “We are proud of the extensive stakeholding process undertaken to bring this bill to life, and look forward to continuing to engage to strengthen the legislation.”

“Healthier Colorado’s mission is to advocate for the health of all people in Colorado, and there’s overwhelming evidence of the negative effect that unregulated conversational AI can have on the mental health of users, particularly young users,” shared Alexis Alltop, Healthier Colorado’s policy manager. “Just like most consumers today expect that a car they are purchasing comes with basic health and safety features – seatbelts – Coloradans should be able to engage with this increasingly ubiquitous technology knowing that basic safety standards are implemented. We are grateful to all of their sponsors for their leadership and advocacy for Colorado’s health and urge swift passage of the bill.”

This vote also comes after significant news this week out of New Mexico and California, where juries delivered decisions that hold tech giants accountable for the demonstrable harm their products have caused to the mental health of young people all across the country.

Following this vote, HB26-1236 heads to the House floor for first reading. To learn more about the bill, you can view the Healthier Colorado Fact Sheet and FAQ.