H-3022.1
HOUSE BILL 2599
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By Representatives Kloba, Dent, Fosse, Simmons, Duerr, Stearns, Rule, Goodman, Ryu, and Pollet
Read first time 01/21/26. Referred to Committee on Health Care & Wellness.
AN ACT Relating to protecting the integrity of therapy and psychotherapy services; adding a new section to chapter 18.130 RCW; adding a new chapter to Title 19 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that artificial intelligence systems are increasingly deployed to provide mental and behavioral health services to Washington residents, including vulnerable populations such as minors and individuals in crisis. These artificial intelligence systems pose significant risks when deployed without appropriate human oversight, clinical validation, and regulatory safeguards.
Artificial intelligence systems cannot replicate the clinical judgment, ethical obligations, and therapeutic relationship essential to licensed mental health practice. Consumers are often unaware when interacting with artificial intelligence rather than licensed professionals. Artificial intelligence companies have used protected professional titles and clinical terminology, misleading consumers about system qualifications and capabilities. Minors and vulnerable populations are particularly susceptible to harm from unregulated artificial intelligence mental health tools.