Kentucky 2026 Regular Session Status: Passed House Bipartisan · 25 R · 3 D cosponsors

HB 227 — AN ACT relating to addictive online platforms.

Last action — returned to Judiciary (S)

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has passed the House. Introduced January 07, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.

Next likely step: consideration and a floor vote in the Senate.

Odds of enactment

Moderate chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a moderate chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 74% · high confidence

  • Passed House

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 28 sponsors

    28 primary, 0 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (25 R · 3 D) — cross-party backing.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 1 recorded vote so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Summary

Create new sections of KRS Chapter 367 to establish requirements to protect minors from AI companion platforms and social media platforms using addictive features and predatory data collection; define terms; require AI companion platforms and social media platforms to refine their age verification for users; prohibit AI companion platforms or social media platforms from maintaining accounts for children without verifiable parental consent; create a private right of action for violations by AI companion platforms or social media platforms; authorize the Attorney General to enforce violations.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

274 added · 311 removed

Plain-language change summary

In the latest version of Bill HB 227, references to "AI companion platforms" and related definitions have been removed. This means the bill is focusing solely on regulations concerning traditional social media platforms instead of including guidelines for AI chatbots and similar technologies. This change matters because it simplifies the scope of the legislation, likely making it easier to enforce while still addressing concerns about minors' exposure to harmful content on popular social media sites.

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UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 873 AN ACT relating to addictive online platforms.
UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 227/GA AN ACT relating to addictive online platforms.
As used in Sections 1 to 8 of this Act:
As used in Sections 1 to 7 of this Act:
(1) "Account holder" means a natural person who is a resident of the Commonwealth of Kentucky who has an account or a profile with a unique identifier on a covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform during any period in which a covered social media platform knows or should reasonably know the person is physically located in Kentucky;
(1) "Account holder" means a natural person who is a resident of the Commonwealth of Kentucky who has an account or a profile with a unique identifier on a covered social media platform during any period in which a covered social media platform knows or should reasonably know the person is physically located in Kentucky;
(b) Display of a profile-exploiting feed;
(b) Display of a profile-based feed;
Not including notifications for the purposes of alerting the account holder to incoming calls, text messages, email messages, or similar messages sent by human contacts and delivered by means of any Page 1 of 12 XXXX 1/5/2026 9:31 AM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 873 application;
Not including notifications for the purposes of alerting the account holder to incoming calls, text messages, email messages, or similar messages sent by human contacts and delivered by means of any Page 1 of 11 HB022710.100 - 873 - XXXX 3/9/2026 5:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 227/GA application;
(3) "AI companion chatbot" means a generative artificial intelligence system or application that simulates interpersonal interactions with a user, including but not limited to:
(3) "Child" means an individual under the age of sixteen (16);
(a) Using anthropomorphic features such as exhibiting a distinct personality, voice, character, or persona, including but not limited to acting as a friend, companion, romantic or sexual partner, mentor, celebrity, fictional character, advisor, or spiritual being;
(4) "Covered social media platform" means a social media platform that collectively generated at least one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000) in advertising revenues annually, worldwide, in one (1) or more of the preceding three (3) years;
(b) Personalizing interactions or facilitating ongoing user engagement with the AI companion chatbot, including by utilizing emotional recognition algorithms or information from user interactions, preferences, or data;
(5) "First trigger date" means, with respect to each account holder and each covered social media platform, the date upon which the account holder has been on the covered social media platform for twenty-five (25) hours or more within a six (6) month period following the effective date of this Act;
(c) Providing unprompted or unsolicited questions, topics, ideas, or advice that go beyond a factual response to a user prompt;
(6) "Matter harmful to minors" has the same meaning as in KRS 436.001;
and (d) Engaging in an interaction concerning matters personal to the user;
(7) "Minor" means an individual under the age of eighteen (18);
(4) "AI companion platform" means any online service that simulates interpersonal interactions with a user, including but not limited to offering emotional support, Page 2 of 12 XXXX 1/5/2026 9:31 AM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 873 entertainment, roleplay, and enterprise tools;
(8) "Notice to a parent" has the same meaning as established in the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, 15 U.S.C.
(5) "Child" means an individual under the age of thirteen (13) as defined in 15 U.S.C.
6501(1);
(6) "Covered AI companion platform" means an AI companion platform, including any parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate of that AI companion platform, that collectively has more than ten million (10,000,000) registered users worldwide and owns or operates a website, mobile application, or digital service providing AI companion chatbot services to users;
(7) "Covered social media platform" means a social media platform, including any parent company, subsidiary, or affiliate of the social media platform that collectively generated at least one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000) in gross revenues annually, worldwide, in one (1) or more of the preceding three (3) years;
(8) "Emotional recognition algorithms" means artificial intelligence that detects and interprets human emotional signals in text, video, audio, or a combination of media;
(9) "First trigger date" means, with respect to each account holder and each covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform, the date upon which the account holder has been on the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform for twenty-five (25) hours or more within a six (6) month period following the effective date of this Act;
(10) "Minor" means an individual under the age of eighteen (18);
(11) "Notice to a parent" has the same meaning as established in the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, 15 U.S.C.
sec.
(12) "Paid commercial advertising" is advertising:
(9) "Paid commercial advertising" is advertising:
(a) For which the social media platform receives any compensation in return Page 3 of 12 XXXX 1/5/2026 9:31 AM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 873 for displaying the advertising;
(a) For which the social media platform receives any compensation in return Page 2 of 11 HB022710.100 - 873 - XXXX 3/9/2026 5:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 227/GA for displaying the advertising;
(13) "Parent" includes any legal guardian of a minor resident of the Commonwealth of Kentucky;
(10) "Parent" includes any legal guardian of a child resident of the Commonwealth of Kentucky;
(14) "Personal information" means:
(11) "Personal information":
(a) Information about an account holder collected online that comprises personal information as defined in the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, 15 U.S.C.
(a) Means:
1.
Information about an account holder collected online that comprises personal information as defined in the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, 15 U.S.C.
(b) Any record of or information derived from online activity or history, search history, or online communications of an account holder with respect to any application, website, or social media platform;
2.
(c) Any photograph or biometric information that is used or could reasonably be used to identify the account holder, including but not limited to fingerprints, voiceprints, iris or retina imagery scans, facial templates, and gait imagery or metric;
Any record of or information derived from online activity or history, search history, or online communications of an account holder with respect to any application, website, or social media platform;
or (d) Any geolocation information associated with an account holder or with a device of an account holder;
3.
(15) "Profile-based paid commercial advertising" means paid commercial advertising that has been selected or prioritized for display to an account holder based in whole or in part on the personal information of the account holder;
Any photograph or biometric information that is used or could reasonably be used to identify the account holder, including but not limited to fingerprints, voiceprints, iris or retina imagery scans, facial templates, and gait imagery or metric;
(16) "Profile-exploiting feed" means an addictive feature or the practice of using social media algorithms that leverage personal data for engagement and potential harm to a user;
or 4.
Page 4 of 12 XXXX 1/5/2026 9:31 AM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 873 (17) "Second trigger date" means, with respect to each account holder and each covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform, the date upon which the account holder has been on the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform for fifty (50) hours or more within a six (6) month period following the effective date of this Act;
Any geolocation information associated with an account holder or with a device of an account holder;
(18) "Social media platform" means any online service that:
and (b) Does not include:
(a) Displays content that is primarily generated by account holders;
1.
and (b) Permits an individual to register as an account holder and create a profile that is made visible to the general public or a set of other users defined by the account holder;
An express search term, request, or selection submitted by the account holder during the current session on the covered social media platform;
and (19) "Verifiable parental consent" means authorization that:
2.
(a) Is provided by an individual who the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform has verified is at least eighteen (18) years old;
An identifier used solely for the purpose of directing personal Page 3 of 11 HB022710.100 - 873 - XXXX 3/9/2026 5:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 227/GA communications to or from the account holder;
(b) Is given after the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform has clearly and conspicuously provided the parental consent disclosure to the individual;
or 3.
and (c) Requires the parent to make a choice to grant or decline consent.
Information that comprises account holder-selected or parent-selected settings relating to privacy, accessibility, or blocking of age- inappropriate content, or technical information concerning the account holder’s device;
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(12) "Profile-based paid commercial advertising":
(a) Means paid commercial advertising that has been selected or prioritized for display to an account holder based on personal information of the account holder by or with the participation of the social media platform;
and (b) Does not include profile-based paid commercial advertising if that selection process considers information about or an estimate of the age of the account holder solely for the purpose of excluding advertisements which by law or policy are not suitable for presentation to a child;
(13) "Profile-based feed":
(a) Means a stream of content which has been selected or prioritized by the social media platform for display to an account holder based in whole or in part on the personal information of that account holder;
and (b) Does not include a stream of content where the selection or prioritization by the social media platform is based on the personal information of the account holder if:
1.
The account holder affirmatively selected a third party's content for inclusion or exclusion from the account holder's displayed feed, including but not limited to following, friending, unfollowing, blocking, or engaging in a similar action with respect to the third party;
or 2.
The age or any estimate of the age of the account holder is used solely for the purpose of excluding content which is:
Page 4 of 11 HB022710.100 - 873 - XXXX 3/9/2026 5:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 227/GA a.
A matter harmful to minors;
or b.
By policy of the covered social media platform, not suitable for presentation to children of that age;
(14) "Second trigger date" means, with respect to each account holder and each covered social media platform, the date upon which the account holder has been on the covered social media platform for fifty (50) hours or more within a six (6) month period following the effective date of this Act;
(15) "Social media platform" has the same meaning as in KRS 17.544;
and (16) "Verifiable parental consent" has the same meaning as in 15 U.S.C sec.
6501(9) and implementing regulations at 16 C.F.R sec.
312.5, with the added requirement that the covered social media platform has retained documentation sufficient to reasonably establish that it has obtained verifiable parental consent within the meaning of those provisions.
(1) (a) Within fourteen (14) days of the first trigger date, the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall use reasonable means and efforts, taking into consideration available technology and the data in the possession of the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform, to estimate the age of the account holder.
(1) (a) Within fourteen (14) days of the first trigger date, the covered social media platform shall use reasonable means and efforts, taking into consideration available technology and the data in the possession of the covered social media platform, to estimate the age of the account holder.
(b) If the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform is able to conclude with eighty percent (80%) confidence that the account holder is over sixteen (16) years of age, the covered AI companion platform Page 5 of 12 XXXX 1/5/2026 9:31 AM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 873 or covered social media platform shall treat the account holder as an individual other than a child.
(b) If the covered social media platform is able to conclude with eighty percent (80%) confidence that the account holder is over fifteen (15) years of age, the covered social media platform shall treat the account holder as an individual other than a child.
Otherwise, the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall treat the account holder as a child for purposes of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act.
Otherwise, the covered social media platform shall treat the account holder as a child for purposes of Sections 1 to 7 of this Act.
(2) (a) Within fourteen (14) days of the second trigger date, the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall use reasonable means and efforts to revise its estimate of the account holder's age.
(2) (a) Within fourteen (14) days of the second trigger date, the covered social media platform shall use reasonable means and efforts to revise its estimate Page 5 of 11 HB022710.100 - 873 - XXXX 3/9/2026 5:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 227/GA of the account holder's age.
(b) If the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform is able to conclude with ninety percent (90%) confidence that the account holder is over sixteen (16) years of age, the covered AI companion platform may treat the account holder as an individual other than a child.
(b) If the covered social media platform is able to conclude with ninety percent (90%) confidence that the account holder is over fifteen (15) years of age, the covered social media platform may treat the account holder as an individual other than a child.
Otherwise, the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall treat the account holder as a child for purposes of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act.
Otherwise, the covered social media platform shall treat the account holder as a child for purposes of Sections 1 to 7 of this Act.
(3) A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall update its estimate of the age of each account holder after every additional one hundred (100) hours spent by the account holder on the platform, or as often as the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform applies any form of data analytics or artificial intelligence to update its estimate of any other demographic characteristic of the account holder for any reason, whichever period is shorter.
(3) A covered social media platform shall update its estimate of the age of each account holder after every additional one hundred (100) hours spent by the account holder on the platform, or as often as the covered social media platform applies any form of data analytics or artificial intelligence to update its estimate of any other demographic characteristic of the account holder for any reason, whichever period is shorter.
(4) This section shall not be construed to create any duty on the part of a covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform to request, collect, or retain any information from or about any account holder.
(4) This section shall not be construed to create any duty on the part of a covered social media platform to request, collect, or retain any information from or about any account holder.
The age estimate required by this section shall be derived based on information collected and retained in the ordinary course of operation of the covered social media platform or covered social media platform.
The age estimate required by this section shall be derived based on information collected and retained in the ordinary course of operation of the covered social media platform.
Page 6 of 12 XXXX 1/5/2026 9:31 AM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 873 (5) A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall not have any obligation under Sections 1 to 8 of this Act to estimate the age of an account holder or take any action with respect to any account if the account holder had the account with the covered social media platform continuously for at least seven (7) years prior to the effective date of this Act.
(5) A covered social media platform shall not have any obligation under Sections 1 to 7 of this Act to estimate the age of an account holder or take any action with respect to any account if the account holder had the account with the covered social media platform continuously for at least seven (7) years prior to the effective date of this Act.
(1) A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall require any applicant for an account to provide his or her birth date as part of the account application process.
(1) A covered social media platform shall require any applicant for an account to provide his or her birth date as part of the account application process, and may Page 6 of 11 HB022710.100 - 873 - XXXX 3/9/2026 5:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 227/GA not provide any default birth date when requesting that information.
(2) A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall not create or maintain an account for a child, or change the terms and conditions of an account for a child, without first obtaining verifiable parental consent.
(2) A covered social media platform shall not create an account for a user identified as a child pursuant to subsection (1) of Section 3 of this Act, maintain an account for a user required to be treated as a child pursuant to Section 7 of this Act, or change the terms and conditions of an account for a child, without first obtaining verifiable parental consent.
A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall not change the privacy settings of an account of a child without first obtaining verifiable parental consent for the change until the account holder is no longer a child.
A covered social media platform shall not change the privacy settings of an account of a child without first obtaining verifiable parental consent for the change until the account holder is no longer a child.
(4) In the course of obtaining verifiable parental consent for the establishment or continuation of an account for a child, a covered AI companion platform or a covered social media platform shall prominently provide and explain an option for a parent to make his or her consent conditional on receipt by the parent of a Page 7 of 12 XXXX 1/5/2026 9:31 AM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 873 separate password that enables the parent to:
(4) In the course of obtaining verifiable parental consent for the establishment or continuation of an account for a child, a covered social media platform shall prominently provide and explain an option for a parent to make his or her consent conditional on receipt by the parent of a separate password that enables the parent to:
(a) Monitor the amount of time the child spends using the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform;
(a) Monitor the amount of time the child spends using the covered social media platform;
(b) Set daily and weekly time limits on use of the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform;
(b) Set daily and weekly time limits on use of the covered social media platform;
and (c) Set limits on the time of day when the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform can be accessed by the child.
and (c) Set limits on the time of day when the covered social media platform can be accessed by the child.
(5) A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall not present addictive features in the display or feed of any child.
(5) A covered social media platform shall not present addictive features in the display or feed of any child.
(6) A covered AI companion platform or covered social medial platform shall not present profile-based paid commercial advertising in the display or feed of any child.
Page 7 of 11 HB022710.100 - 873 - XXXX 3/9/2026 5:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 227/GA (6) A covered social media platform shall not present profile-based paid commercial advertising in the display or feed of any child.
(1) A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall terminate an account if it concludes, or obtains information from which it should reasonably conclude pursuant to its obligations under Section 2 of this Act, that the account holder is a child, unless verifiable parental consent has been obtained for the account.
(1) A covered social media platform shall terminate an account if it concludes, or obtains information from which it should reasonably conclude pursuant to its obligations under Section 2 of this Act, that the account holder is a child, unless verifiable parental consent has been obtained for the account.
(2) A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall terminate an account of a minor within seven (7) days after a request for termination from the account holder.
(2) A covered social media platform shall terminate an account of a child within seven (7) days after a request for termination from the account holder.
(3) A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall terminate the account of a minor within fourteen (14) days after receipt of a request for termination from a parent of the minor.
(3) A covered social media platform shall terminate the account of a child within fourteen (14) days after receipt of a request for termination from a parent of the minor.
Upon receipt of a request for termination, the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall verify that the requesting party is a parent of the account holder by Page 8 of 12 XXXX 1/5/2026 9:31 AM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 873 the verification means used by the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform for ascertaining the validity of the verifiable parental consent.
Upon receipt of a request for termination, the covered social media platform shall verify that the requesting party is a parent of the account holder by the verification means used by the covered social media platform for ascertaining the validity of the verifiable parental consent.
(4) A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall provide clear, simple, and efficient means for the parent of any minor to request termination of any account of a minor.
(4) A covered social media platform shall provide clear, simple, and efficient means for the parent of any child to request termination of any account of a child.
(5) If a covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform makes a determination that it must terminate an account because the account holder has been classified as a child and verifiable parental consent has not been obtained, the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall notify the account holder of its intent to terminate the account within seven (7) days of making the determination and shall provide the reason for the termination.
(5) If a covered social media platform makes a determination that it must terminate an account because the account holder has been classified as a child and verifiable parental consent has not been obtained, the covered social media platform shall notify the account holder of its intent to terminate the account within seven (7) days of making the determination and shall provide the reason for the termination.
The account holder shall have thirty (30) days from the date of the notice to dispute the age classification and complete an age verification process, or to provide verifiable parental consent to the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform.
The account holder shall have thirty (30) days from the date of the notice to dispute the age classification and complete an age verification process, or to provide verifiable parental consent to the covered social media platform.
(6) If an account holder disputes his or her classification as a child, a covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform may rely on any commercially reasonable age verification process to resolve the dispute.
Page 8 of 11 HB022710.100 - 873 - XXXX 3/9/2026 5:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 227/GA (6) If an account holder disputes his or her classification as a child, a covered social media platform may rely on any commercially reasonable age verification process to resolve the dispute.
A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall make a reasonable determination within thirty (30) days of the completion of the age verification process.
A covered social media platform shall make a reasonable determination within thirty (30) days of the completion of the age verification process.
If a covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform concludes it is obligated to terminate an account, it shall terminate that account within seven (7) days of that determination.
If a covered social media platform concludes it is obligated to terminate an account, it shall terminate that account within seven (7) days of that determination.
Sections 1 to 8 of this Act shall not be construed to limit in any way beyond any limits Page 9 of 12 XXXX 1/5/2026 9:31 AM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 873 imposed by other law the:
Sections 1 to 7 of this Act shall not be construed to limit in any way beyond any limits imposed by other law the:
(1) If a covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform permits a child to open an account or continue to be an account holder without parental consent sufficient for the formation of a binding contract with a minor under ordinary principles of contract law under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, any contract pertaining to the account is invalid and unenforceable as contrary to public policy, including but not limited to any arbitration provision, limitation of liability, or limitation of remedies, without regard to whether the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform had actual or constructive knowledge that the account holder was a child.
A covered social media platform shall not be liable for any violation of Sections 1 to 7 of this Act if it has used reasonable means and efforts, taking into consideration available technology and any data in possession of the covered social media platform, to comply with the requirements of Sections 1 to 7 of this Act.
(2) A child or parent shall have a private right of action for declaratory or injunctive relief, damages, including harm to mental health and emotional distress, court costs, reasonable attorney's fees, and any other appropriate relief as a result of any negligent, reckless, or intentional violation of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act.
(3) A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform that recklessly or intentionally violates any provision of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act shall be assessed a civil penalty of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) or of actual damages established at trial, whichever is greater.
(4) A covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform shall not be liable for any violation of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act if it has used reasonable means and efforts, including but not limited to using available technology and any data in possession of the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform, to comply with the requirements of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act.
Page 10 of 12 XXXX 1/5/2026 9:31 AM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 873 (5) (a) A civil action for damages for a violation of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act shall be brought within three (3) years of the date the plaintiff knew or reasonably should have known of the alleged violation.
(b) The limitation period for this action shall be tolled during the minority of the plaintiff pursuant to KRS 413.
170.
(1) Any waiver or limitation of any prohibition, limitation, requirement, or right to remedies established by Sections 1 to 8 of this Act is unlawful, contrary to public policy, void ab initio, and of no effect, and a court or arbitrator shall not enforce or give effect to any waiver, notwithstanding any choice of law provision in a contract.
(1) Any waiver or limitation of any prohibition, limitation, requirement, or right to remedies established by Sections 1 to 7 of this Act is unlawful, contrary to public policy, void ab initio, and of no effect, and a court or arbitrator shall not enforce or give effect to any waiver, notwithstanding any choice of law provision in a contract.
(2) If any provision of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provision other provisions or applications of the Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act are severable.
(2) If any provision of Sections 1 to 7 of this Act or the application thereof to any Page 9 of 11 HB022710.100 - 873 - XXXX 3/9/2026 5:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 227/GA person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of Sections 1 to 7 of this Act that can be given effect without the invalid provision or application, and to this end the provisions of Sections 1 to 7 of this Act are severable.
SECTION 8.
Section 8.
A NEW SECTION OF KRS CHAPTER 367 IS CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:
KRS 367.3627 is amended to read as follows:
(1) Any violation of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act shall be considered an unlawful practice under KRS 367.170.
(1) The Attorney General shall have exclusive authority to enforce violations of KRS 367.3611 to 367.3629 and Sections 1 to 7 of this Act.
The Attorney General may enforce Sections 1 to 8 of this Act by bringing an action in the name of the Commonwealth of Kentucky or on behalf of persons residing in this Commonwealth.
The Attorney General may enforce KRS 367.3611 to 367.3629 and Sections 1 to 7 of this Act by bringing an action in the name of the Commonwealth of Kentucky or on behalf of persons residing in this Commonwealth.
The Attorney General shall have all powers and duties granted under KRS Chapter 15 to investigate and prosecute any violation of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act.
The Attorney General shall have all powers and duties granted to the Attorney General under KRS Chapter 15 to investigate and prosecute any violation of KRS 367.3611 to 367.3629 and Sections 1 to 7 of this Act.
The Attorney General may demand any information, documentary material, or physical evidence from any covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform believed to be Page 11 of 12 XXXX 1/5/2026 9:31 AM Jacketed UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS BR 873 engaged in, or about to engage in, any violation of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act.
The Attorney General may demand any information, documentary material, or physical evidence from any controller or processor, or covered social media platform as defined in Section 1 of this Act, believed to be engaged in, or about to engage in, any violation of KRS 367.3611 to 367.3629 or Sections 1 to 7 of this Act.
(2) Prior to initiating any action for violation of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act, the Attorney General shall provide a covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform thirty (30) days written notice identifying the specific provisions of Sections 1 to 8 of this Act, the Attorney General alleges have been violated.
(2) Prior to initiating any action for violation of KRS 367.3611 to 367.3629 or Sections 1 to 7 of this Act, the Attorney General shall provide a controller or processor or covered social media platform as defined in Section 1 of this Act thirty (30) days' written notice identifying the specific provisions of KRS 367.3611 to 367.3629 or Sections 1 to 7 of this Act[,] the Attorney General alleges have been or are being violated.
If the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform cures the noticed violation within thirty (30) days and provides the Attorney General an express written statement that the alleged violations have been cured and that no further violations will occur, an action for damages shall not be initiated against the controller or processor.
If within the thirty (30) days the controller or processor or covered social media platform as defined in Section 1 of this Act cures the noticed violation and provides the Attorney General an express written statement that the alleged violations have been cured and that no further violations shall occur, no action for damages under subsection (3) of this section shall be initiated against the controller Page 10 of 11 HB022710.100 - 873 - XXXX 3/9/2026 5:51 PM GA UNOFFICIAL COPY 26 RS HB 227/GA or processor, or covered social media platform as defined in Section 1 of this Act.
(3) If the covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform continues to violate Sections 1 to 8 of this Act following the cure period or breaches an express written statement provided to the Attorney General under the subsection (2) of this section, the Attorney General may initiate a civil action and seek damages for up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each continued violation.
(3) If a controller or processor, or covered social media platform as defined in Section 1 of this Act, continues to violate KRS 367.3611 to 367.3629 or Sections 1 to 7 of this Act following the cure period in subsection (2) of this section or breaches an express written statement provided to the Attorney General under subsection (2) of this section, the Attorney General may initiate an action and seek damages for up to seven thousand five hundred dollars ($7,500) for each continued violation under KRS 367.3611 to 367.3629 or Sections 1 to 7 of this Act.
(4) Any covered AI companion platform or covered social media platform that intentionally or recklessly violates Sections 1 to 8 of this Act shall be assessed a civil penalty of not more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each offense in addition to the damages in subsection (3) of this section.
(4) Nothing in KRS 367.3611 to 367.3629 and Sections 1 to 7 of this Act or any other law, regulation, or the equivalent shall be construed as providing the basis for, or give rise to, a private right of action for violations of KRS 367.3611 to 367.3629 and Sections 1 to 7 of this Act.
(5) The Attorney General may recover reasonable expenses incurred in investigating and preparing the case, court costs, attorney's fees, and any other relief ordered by the court in any action initiated under Sections 1 to 8 of this Act.
(5) The Attorney General may recover reasonable expenses incurred in investigating and preparing the case, court costs, attorney's fees, and any other relief ordered by the court of any action initiated under KRS 367.3611 to 367.3629 and Sections 1 to 7 of this Act.
Page 12 of 12 XXXX 1/5/2026 9:31 AM Jacketed
Page 11 of 11 HB022710.100 - 873 - XXXX 3/9/2026 5:51 PM GA
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Action History

  1. returned to Judiciary (S)

  2. 2nd reading

  3. taken from Judiciary (S)

  4. returned to Judiciary (S)

  5. 1st reading

  6. taken from Judiciary (S)

  7. to Judiciary (S)

  8. to Committee on Committees (S)

  9. received in Senate

  10. 3rd reading, passed 96-0 with Committee Substitute (1) and floor amendments (1) and (6)

  11. floor amendment (9) filed to Committee Substitute

  12. floor amendment (8) filed to Committee Substitute

  13. floor amendments (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) filed to Committee Substitute

  14. posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Thursday, March 05 2026

  15. floor amendment (2) filed to Committee Substitute

  16. floor amendment (1) filed to Committee Substitute

  17. 2nd reading, to Rules

  18. reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute (1)

  19. to Small Business & Information Technology (H)

  20. to Committee on Committees (H)

  21. introduced in House

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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28 sponsors · 0 co-sponsors · 110 not signed on

Sponsors (28)

Co-sponsors (0)

None.

Not signed on (110)

110 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 110 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Pass

Passed 96 Yea · 0 Nay · 4 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 20000
Republican 75004
Unaffiliated 1000
Total 96004
% of votes cast 96%0%0%4%
How each member voted (100)
Member Party Vote
Lewis C — Yea
Adam Moore Democrat Yea
Adrielle Camuel Democrat Yea
Al Gentry Democrat Yea
Anne Gay Donworth Democrat Yea
Ashley Tackett Laferty Democrat Yea
Beverly Chester-Burton Democrat Yea
Chad Aull Democrat Yea
Daniel Grossberg Democrat Yea
Erika Hancock Democrat Yea
George Brown Jr. Democrat Yea
Joshua Watkins Democrat Yea
Lindsey Burke Democrat Yea
Lisa Willner Democrat Yea
Mary Lou Marzian Democrat Yea
Matthew Lehman Democrat Yea
Nima Kulkarni Democrat Yea
Pamela Stevenson Democrat Yea
Rachel Roarx Democrat Yea
Sarah Stalker Democrat Yea
Tina Bojanowski Democrat Yea
Aaron Thompson Republican Yea
Adam Bowling Republican Not Voting
Amy Neighbors Republican Yea
Bill Wesley Republican Yea
Bobby McCool Republican Yea
Candy Massaroni Republican Yea
Chris Freeland Republican Yea
Chris Fugate Republican Yea
DJ Johnson Republican Yea
Daniel Elliott Republican Yea
Daniel Fister Republican Yea
David Hale Republican Yea
David Meade Republican Yea
David W. Osborne Republican Yea
Deanna Gordon Republican Yea
Derek Lewis Republican Yea
Emily Callaway Republican Yea
Felicia Rabourn Republican Yea
J.T. Payne Republican Yea
James Tipton Republican Yea
Jared Bauman Republican Yea
Jason Nemes Republican Yea
Jason Petrie Republican Yea
Jennifer Decker Republican Yea
Jim Gooch Jr. Republican Yea
John Blanton Republican Yea
John Hodgson Republican Yea
Josh Branscum Republican Yea
Josh Bray Republican Yea
Josh Calloway Republican Yea
Ken Fleming Republican Yea
Ken Upchurch Republican Yea
Kevin Jackson Republican Yea
Kim Banta Republican Yea
Kim Holloway Republican Yea
Kim King Republican Yea
Kimberly Poore Moser Republican Yea
Marianne Proctor Republican Yea
Mark Hart Republican Yea
Mary Beth Imes Republican Yea
Matt Lockett Republican Yea
Matthew Koch Republican Yea
Michael Meredith Republican Yea
Michael Sarge Pollock Republican Yea
Mike Clines Republican Yea
Mitch Whitaker Republican Yea
Myron Dossett Republican Yea
Nancy Tate Republican Yea
Nick Wilson Republican Yea
Patrick Flannery Republican Yea
Peyton Griffee Republican Yea
Randy Bridges Republican Yea
Rebecca Raymer Republican Yea
Richard White Republican Yea
Robert Duvall Republican Yea
Ryan Bivens Republican Yea
Ryan Dotson Republican Yea
Samara Heavrin Republican Yea
Savannah Maddox Republican Yea
Scott Lewis Republican Yea
Scott Sharp Republican Yea
Shane Baker Republican Yea
Shawn McPherson Republican Yea
Stephanie Dietz Republican Yea
Steve Bratcher Republican Yea
Steve Riley Republican Yea
Steven Doan Republican Yea
Steven Rudy Republican Not Voting
Susan Witten Republican Yea
Suzanne Miles Republican Yea
T.J. Roberts Republican Yea
Thomas Huff Republican Yea
Timmy Truett Republican Yea
Tom Smith Republican Yea
Tony Hampton Republican Not Voting
Vanessa Grossl Republican Yea
Wade Williams Republican Yea
Walker Thomas Republican Yea
William Lawrence Republican Not Voting

Official roll call →

Subjects

civil-rights technology
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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 227 do?
Create new sections of KRS Chapter 367 to establish requirements to protect minors from AI companion platforms and social media platforms using addictive features and predatory data collection; define terms; require AI companion platforms and social media platforms to refine their age verification for users; prohibit AI companion platforms or social media platforms from maintaining accounts for children without verifiable parental consent; create a private right of action for violations by AI companion platforms or social media platforms; authorize the Attorney General to enforce violations.
Who sponsors HB 227?
HB 227 is sponsored by Walker Thomas (Republican), Nancy Tate (Republican), T.J. Roberts (Republican), Felicia Rabourn (Republican), Marianne Proctor (Republican), Jason Nemes (Republican), Kimberly Poore Moser (Republican), Candy Massaroni (Republican), Mary Beth Imes (Republican), Thomas Huff (Republican), John Hodgson (Republican), Daniel Grossberg (Democrat), Deanna Gordon (Republican), Chris Fugate (Republican), Ken Fleming (Republican), Patrick Flannery (Republican), Daniel Elliott (Republican), Ryan Dotson (Republican), Steven Doan (Republican), Beverly Chester-Burton (Democrat), Josh Calloway (Republican), Emily Callaway (Republican), George Brown Jr. (Democrat), Randy Bridges (Republican), Kim Banta (Republican), Shane Baker (Republican), Jennifer Decker (Republican), and Matt Lockett (Republican).
What is the current status of HB 227?
This bill has passed the House. Introduced January 07, 2026. It now moves to the second chamber.
Where can I track HB 227?
Track HB 227 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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