The Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously approved a bipartisan bill requiring AI companies to implement age verification for chatbots to protect minors. The legislation, co-sponsored by Senators Josh Hawley and Richard Blumenthal, prohibits AI companions for children and blocks sexually explicit content or self-harm encouragement. This rare cross-aisle agreement signals potential for swift Senate passage.
The Senate Judiciary Committee on April 30, 2026, gave unanimous approval to a bill mandating age verification systems for AI chatbots. The measure targets protections for minors by restricting access to AI companions, barring sexually explicit content, and preventing encouragement of self-harm from these services. Senators Josh Hawley (R-MO) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) co-sponsored the bipartisan proposal, marking a moment of unity across party lines in the panel's proceedings, as first reported by tech policy outlets on April 30, 2026. 1-2 blank line here but JSON no markdown needed wait no body is string with paragraphs via newlines. 2-5 short paras. 2-4 sentences each, separated by blank lines. 1-3 sentences lead. 100-300 words body. Tags 3-5. Lon/lat null since DC? Washington DC lat 38.9072 long -77.0369 yes. Word count body. 2-5 paras separated by blank lines in string. 3 paras. 200 words ish. Body text with newlines for paras. 100-300 words. Structure into 2–5 short paragraphs (2–4 sentences each, separated by blank lines). 2-4 sentences each para. 2 paras min. Para1: event details. Para2: background context. Para3: implications. Neutral, factual. No embellish. Only from source. Committee approval preliminary. Indicates support. AGs contacted last year. Companies sued. 3 paras. Word count exact. Headline sentence case: yes. Tags: Politics, Technology, AI, Legislation, Children. Lon/lat: Washington DC as event location: lat 38.9072, lon -77.0369. Yes, Senate Judiciary. 4 paras? Keep 3. Body draft: 1. Approval details, sponsors. 2. What bill does. 3. Background AGs, lawsuits. 4. Significance preliminary but indicative. But 3 ok. Word count ~200. Ensure engaging neutral. 2-5 paras yes.
