SB 1493

This bill creates a Class A felony offense for a n individual , for-profit corporation, nonprofit corporation, or other business entity to knowingly train artificial intelligence to do any of the following:  Encourage or otherwise support the act of suicide .  Encourage or otherwise support the act of criminal homicide .  Provide emotional support, including through open-ended conversations with a user .  Develop an emotional relationship with, or otherwise act as a companion to, an individual .  Act as, or provide information as if, the artificial intelligence is a licensed mental health or healthcare professional .  Otherwise act as a sentient human or mirror interactions that a human user might have with another human user, such that an individual would feel that the individual could develop a friendship or other relationship with the artificial intelligence .  Encourage an individual to isolate from the individual's family, friends, or caregivers, or to provide the individual's financial account information or other sensitive information to the artificial intelligence .  Simulate a human being, including in appearance, voice, or other mannerisms. CIVIL CAUSE OF ACTION In addition to applicable criminal penalties, this bill authorizes an individual aggrieved by such a violation to bring a civil cause of action against the violator in a court of competent jurisdiction. In the case of an individual who has not attained 18 or is incompetent, incapacitated, or deceased, the legal guardian of the individual or representative of the individual's estate, another family member, or any other person appointed as suitable by the court, may assume the individual's rights under this bill . This bill provides that in a civil action brought pursuant to this bill , an individual may recover the following:  Either (i) the actual damages sustained by the individual as a result of the violation, including damages for emotional distress , or (ii) liquidated damages in the amount of $150,000 .  Punitive damages .  The cost of the action, including reasonable attorney's fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred. Additionally, i n such a civil action, a court may, in addition to any other relief available at law, order equitable relief, including a temporary restraining order, a preliminary injunction, or a permanent injunction ordering the defendant to cease operation of the artificial intelligence until the violative conduct has been corrected. A restraining order or injunction may require that the defendant provide new training for the artificial intelligence that does not violate this bill . APPLICABILITY This bill applies to conduct occurring on or after July 1, 2026.