SF 1857

Introduction - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026)

Posted on 03/11/2025 09:12 a.m.

A bill for an act
relating to commerce; prohibiting persons from allowing minors to access chatbots
for recreational purposes; providing civil penalties; proposing coding for new law
in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 325M.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [325M.40] MINOR ACCESS TO CHATBOTS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For the purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Chatbot" means a computer program designed to simulate conversation with human
users, especially over the internet.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Minor" means an individual under the age of 18.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Prohibition. new text end

new text begin It is unlawful for a person who owns or controls a website,
application, software, or program to allow a minor to access chatbots for recreational
purposes.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Proof of age. new text end

new text begin A person who offers chatbot services for recreational purposes
must require an individual to provide proof of the individual's age before allowing the
individual to access a chatbot.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Remedies; enforcement. new text end

new text begin (a) An individual injured by a violation of this section
may bring a civil action for damages, statutory damages not to exceed $1,000, injunctive
relief, and costs and reasonable attorney fees.
new text end

new text begin (b) The attorney general may enforce this section under section 8.31. In an action brought
under this paragraph, the person who owns or controls a website, application, software, or
program and violates this section is liable for a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000,000.
new text end