Maryland Senate Considers Amendments to Chatbot Regulation Bill

On March 27, 2026, EPIC Counsel Kara Williams testified before the Maryland Senate Finance Committee regarding H.B. 952, a bill aimed at regulating companion chatbots. EPIC supports the bill's objectives but argues that significant amendments are necessary to effectively protect users from chatbot-related harms. The organization emphasizes that Big Tech companies currently operate with minimal oversight and cannot be trusted to self-regulate. EPIC proposes amendments to ensure the bill sets clear rules for chatbot providers, enhancing user protections. The bill, as it stands, does not meet these protective goals but could become a critical step with the suggested changes. EPIC has also published model legislation on chatbots and platform design to advocate for a human-centered regulatory approach.

Key Points: • EPIC testified in support of H.B. 952 but called for significant amendments. • The bill aims to regulate companion chatbots to prevent user harms. • EPIC has published model legislation advocating for human-centered tech regulation.