Colorado's HB26-1263 introduces requirements for operators of conversational artificial intelligence services, defining them as systems simulating human conversation and interaction accessible to the general public [1]. Effective January 1, 2027, the bill mandates disclosures, content moderation for minors, privacy management tools, and a protocol for suicidal ideation prompts. Operators must also annually report to the Attorney General, with violations constituting a deceptive trade practice [2].

Who does HB26-1263 affect?

Organizations developing or controlling access to AI systems that simulate human conversation through text, visual, or aural means, and are accessible to the general public, are within scope. This specifically impacts providers of chatbots, virtual assistants, or other generative AI applications interacting with users in Colorado, especially those accessible to minors. Deployers in other jurisdictions may consider implications for consistent application of content safety and privacy controls across user bases.

What is the current status of HB26-1263?

As of the last published update, HB26-1263 is at the "passed house" stage, with bill status "passed house".

Where can I find the primary source for HB26-1263?

The primary source for the most recent update is at https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb26-1263. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill.

CO, US · AI law tracker

HB26-1263 — CO, US

HB26-1263 is an AI governance legislation from CO, currently passed house. The bill mandates specific operational requirements for conversational AI service operators, effective January 1, 2027 [1]. AIGI tracks 1 primary-source update on this bill; the most recent was published on 2026-02-19.

Status & timeline

Regulatory stage: passed house
Bill status: passed house
Effective date: 2027-01-01
Authority / governing body: Colorado General Assembly
Chamber: house
Document type: legislation

Next deadline: January 1, 2027

Subscriber only

Full obligation matrix

Actor	Obligation	Deadline	Source
operator	Provide certain disclosures for minor account holders or minor users.	2027-01-01	—
operator	Refrain from providing minor account holders or minor users with points or rewards to encourage engagement with the service.	2027-01-01	—
operator	Institute reasonable technically feasible measures to prevent the conversational AI service from producing sexually explicit content or statements that simulate emotional dependence for minor users.	2027-01-01	—
operator	Provide tools for minor account holders or minor users, or their parents or guardians, to manage the minor's privacy and account settings.	2027-01-01	—
operator	Provide consumer disclosures.	2027-01-01	—
operator	Implement a protocol for user prompts regarding suicidal ideation or self-harm.	2027-01-01	—
operator	Annually report to the Attorney General's office information regarding the protocol implemented for suicidal ideation or self-harm.	annually, starting 2027	—
operator	Refrain from indicating or implying that any output data provided by a conversational AI service is provided by, endorsed by, or equivalent to services provided by certain licensed or certified professionals.	2027-01-01	—

Subscriber only

Enforcement risk score

/ 100

Announced regulation; enforcement footprint still forming.

Subscriber only

Role-based compliance checklist

compliance_officer Review and understand the definition of 'conversational artificial intelligence service' and 'operator' as per the bill. (2027-01-01)
product_manager Develop and implement specific disclosure mechanisms for minor users and general consumers. (2027-01-01)
engineering Develop and deploy technically feasible measures to prevent the generation of sexually explicit content or statements simulating emotional dependence for minor users. (2027-01-01)
product_manager Integrate privacy and account management tools specifically for minor users and their parents/guardians. (2027-01-01)
compliance_officer Establish a clear protocol for handling user prompts related to suicidal ideation or self-harm. (2027-01-01)
general_counsel Ensure advertising and promotional materials do not imply professional endorsement of AI outputs. (2027-01-01)
compliance_officer Prepare for annual reporting to the Colorado Attorney General's office regarding the suicidal ideation/self-harm protocol. (annually, starting 2027)

Subscriber only

Vendor impact assessment

Vendor risk class: high
Procurement categories: customer_service_ai, content_moderation

Vendors providing conversational AI services to Colorado-based entities, especially those with minor users, will need to demonstrate robust controls for content moderation, age-appropriate features, privacy management, and critical safety protocols (e.g., suicide prevention). Compliance with these specific requirements will be a key differentiator.

Sample vendor questions

How does your conversational AI service ensure compliance with age-appropriate content restrictions, particularly regarding sexually explicit or emotionally dependent content?
What mechanisms are in place to prevent the AI from generating output that implies professional endorsement or advice?
Can your service provide tools for minors or their guardians to manage privacy settings and account controls?
Do you have a documented protocol for identifying and responding to user prompts related to suicidal ideation or self-harm?
What disclosures are provided to users regarding the nature of the AI service and its outputs?

Intelligence briefs (1)

legislation passed_house 2/19/2026

Colorado Bill Sets Conversational AI Service Operator Requirements

The bill mandates specific operational requirements for conversational AI service operators, effective January 1, 2027 [1].

This development expands AI deployer obligations into specific content moderation, safety, and reporting duties within a US state.

Deadline: January 1, 2027

Primary source →

Frequently asked questions

What is HB26-1263?: Colorado's HB26-1263 introduces requirements for operators of conversational artificial intelligence services, defining them as systems simulating human conversation and interaction accessible to the general public [1]. Effective January 1, 2027, the bill mandates disclosures, content moderation for minors, privacy management tools, and a protocol for suicidal ideation prompts. Operators must also annually report to the Attorney General, with violations constituting a deceptive trade practice [2]. Primary source →
Why does HB26-1263 matter?: This development expands AI deployer obligations into specific content moderation, safety, and reporting duties within a US state. Primary source →
Who does HB26-1263 affect?: Organizations developing or controlling access to AI systems that simulate human conversation through text, visual, or aural means, and are accessible to the general public, are within scope. This specifically impacts providers of chatbots, virtual assistants, or other generative AI applications interacting with users in Colorado, especially those accessible to minors. Deployers in other jurisdictions may consider implications for consistent application of content safety and privacy controls across user bases. Primary source →
What are the key dates for HB26-1263?: January 1, 2027 Primary source →
What is the current status of HB26-1263?: As of the last published update, HB26-1263 is at the "passed house" stage, with bill status "passed house". Primary source →
Where can I find the primary source for HB26-1263?: The primary source for the most recent update is at https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb26-1263. AIGI publishes the full citation chain plus every approved brief on this bill. Primary source →

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Important — about this brief

This brief is published by AIGI as a regulatory intelligence service. It contains general information about AI laws, regulations, enforcement actions, and policy signals across jurisdictions. It is not legal, compliance, audit, or risk-management advice; it does not establish an attorney-client, advisory, or fiduciary relationship; and it should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional counsel applied to specific facts and circumstances. Where the brief identifies “Issues for Review,” those are observations of questions a reader in a particular role might raise with their own legal, compliance, or risk function — not recommendations to act. AIGI expressly disclaims liability for actions taken or not taken in reliance on this brief. Subscribers in regulated industries should consult licensed professionals authorized to practice in their jurisdiction.

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Status & timeline

Intelligence briefs (1)

Colorado Bill Sets Conversational AI Service Operator Requirements

Frequently asked questions

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