Georgia lawmakers push AI safety bill focused on children and mental health

Senate Bill 540 would require age verification, disclosures, and safeguards for AI chatbot use

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Georgia lawmakers are looking to put new limits on artificial intelligence, especially when it comes to children and young adults.

Senate Bill 540 aims to create safeguards around how AI chatbots are used, particularly among younger users.

Georgia State Senator Larry Walker, who represents District 20 and serves as President Pro Tem of the Senate, says the bill is designed to add protections as AI continues to grow in popularity.

“Senate Bill 540 builds guardrails around AI generated content, especially content being used by our children,” Walker said.

Walker says the bill targets some of the most serious concerns tied to AI use.

“We wanted to make sure that we have safety around topics with AI regarding suicidal ideation, self-harm and any kind of sexually explicit content,” he said.

According to Walker, the bill would require age verification and parental controls and would make sure users know they are talking to artificial intelligence, not a real person.

The push for regulation comes as more teens turn to chatbots, not just for help with schoolwork, but for emotional support.

Traneice Haney, a marriage and family therapist at the Family Counseling Center of Central Georgia, says she is already seeing that shift.

“As a mental health professional, I have seen several teens, adolescents, emerging adults, younger kids as well, that have used AI in place of mental health resources instead of seeking therapy or talking to someone they trust,” Haney said.

Haney says many young people are searching for a space where they feel safe to open up.

“They’re afraid,” she said. “They don’t want to be judged. And they’re just looking just to have that one on one, but don’t know how to actually ask for that help.”

While AI may feel more accessible, Haney says real human support is still critical.

After passing in the legislature, Walker says Senate Bill 540 now heads to Governor Brian Kemp’s desk, where he will decide whether to sign it into law.

Haney says if you or someone you know is struggling, it is important to reach out for help. She says the Family Counseling Center offers support, with many services available at no cost.

She also encourages anyone in crisis to call or text 988 to connect with trained counselors.