Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte Applauds Signing of SB 540 to Protect Children Online

ATLANTA (May 15, 2026) - Senate Majority Leader Jason Anavitarte (R-Dallas) today announced that Governor Brian P. Kemp has signed Senate Bill 540 into law, legislation that establishes safeguards for minors interacting with artificial intelligence systems while supporting continued innovation in Georgia's growing technology sector.

SB 540 creates new protections for children using conversational artificial intelligence platforms by prohibiting sexually explicit interactions between AI systems and minors, banning AI systems from simulating romantic relationships with children and requiring platforms to provide users expressing suicidal thoughts with access to crisis resources. The legislation also requires conversational AI systems to clearly disclose when a user is interacting with artificial intelligence and mandates parental control tools for minors.

"As artificial intelligence continues to rapidly transform our world, we have a responsibility to ensure these technologies develop in a way that protects our children," said Leader Anavitarte. "SB 540 establishes common-sense guardrails that allow innovation to continue while addressing the very real risks these systems can pose to young people. I appreciate Governor Kemp for signing this important legislation into law and for recognizing that Georgia can lead both in technological advancement and responsible governance."

Recent studies show that 72% of teenagers have used AI companions, with nearly half reporting regular use. The United States Senate held a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime in Counterterrorism back in September, where they heard testimony from several witnesses, including a few mothers who had children who committed suicide after they interacted with the AI companion tool.

President Trump has made it clear through an Executive Order that Congress needs to work on a nationwide regulatory framework, but states also play a role in establishing guardrails for child safety online. Senate Bill 540 aligns with that agenda. Artificial intelligence is already reshaping industries ranging from healthcare and education to national defense and economic development, but lawmakers must also address the unintended consequences that emerging technologies can create for minors.

"Parents deserve transparency and tools to help guide how their children interact with AI systems," said Sen. Anavitarte. "These technologies are becoming more integrated into everyday life at an incredibly fast pace. Georgia is taking proactive steps to ensure our laws keep up while still fostering innovation and economic opportunity."

SB 540 takes effect July 1, 2027. You can find more information on the legislation here.

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Sen. Jason Anavitarte serves as Senate Majority Leader. He represents the 31^st Senate District, which includes Polk County and a portion of Paulding County. He may be reached via email at [email protected].

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