Virginia Senate Bill 269: Mental health service providers; definitions, use of artificial intelligence system, civil penalty.

Virginia · 2026 Regular Session

What it does

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.

Latest action

Continued to next session in Communications, Technology and Innovation (Voice Vote) (2026-03-02)

See how SB 269 affects you on CapitolKey

Browse more bills · CapitolKey home