Dec 9, 2025 - Technology

Exclusive: Hawley chatbot bill gets new co-sponsors

Ashley Gold

Sen. Josh Hawley pictured in the Capitol — Sen. Josh Hawley in the U.S. Capitol on Oct. 16. Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

A bill from Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) to ban AI companions for minors is gaining momentum, adding seven new bipartisan cosponsors, his office tells Axios exclusively.

Why it matters: AI companies have a lot to lose if they are forbidden from offering services to users under 18, and the popularity across the aisle shows the issue isn't going away.

Driving the news: The GUARD Act is now also sponsored by Sens. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Maggie Hassan (D-N.H.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), and Peter Welch (D-Vt.).

Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) joined Hawley in originally cosponsoring the legislation in October.
The next step would be a committee markup at Senate Judiciary, which hasn't been scheduled.
Dozens of anti-exploitation and children's rights groups also support the bill.

What's inside: The GUARD Act "would ban AI companions for minors, mandate AI chatbots disclose its non-human status, and create new crimes for companies who make AI for minors that solicits or produces sexual content," per Hawley's office.

Hawley has been outspoken against letting AI develop without rules, raising concerns about both kids' safety and the economy.
He's clashed with President Trump and other Republicans who have been all-in on letting AI companies avoid onerous regulation.

What we're watching: Trump said he plans to sign an executive order targeting state AI laws this week.

Add Axios on Google

Exclusive: Hawley chatbot bill gets new co-sponsors

What to read next