States / Virginia / SB 269

SB 269 Passed First Chamber

Mental health service providers; definitions, use of artificial intelligence system, civil penalty.

Introduced
In Committee
Floor
Crossed Over
Passed
Enacted

Use of artificial intelligence system by mental health service providers; civil penalty. Permits the use of an artificial intelligence system by mental health service providers to assist in providing therapy or counseling services if such mental health service provider maintains full responsibility for all interactions, outputs, and data use associated with the system. The bill prohibits the use of an artificial intelligence system to provide therapy or counseling services without a mental health service provider.

The bill specifies that records kept by mental health service providers must comply with health records privacy requirements; creates an exception for religious counseling, peer support, or self-help materials and educational resources; and establishes a civil penalty not to exceed $10,000 for violations of the statute.

Chamber
Senate
Introduced
Jan 12, 2026
Last action
Mar 2, 2026 — Continued to next session in Communications, Technology and Innovation (Voice Vote)
Session
2026
Momentum
59 · Moderate