All Roll Calls
Yes: 73 • No: 0
Rhode IslandS21972026 Regular SessionSenate
AN ACT RELATING TO BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE, DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES AND HOSPITALS -- OVERSIGHT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TECHNOLOGY IN MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACT .
Sponsored By: Lori Urso (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Only licensed pros can offer therapy
No person or company may provide, advertise, or offer therapy in Rhode Island unless a licensed professional conducts the service. This ban includes internet-based AI that claims to provide therapy. Religious counseling, peer support, and public self-help materials are not covered if they do not claim to be therapy. Those exempt services do not have to follow the licensing and AI rules in this chapter.
Privacy and enforcement for AI therapy
Rhode Island now regulates how AI is used in mental health care. The Health Department Director oversees providers, can investigate suspected violations, and can set rules to carry out this law. Your therapy records and talks with licensed professionals are confidential and cannot be shared except in situations the law allows. Breaking these confidentiality rules can lead to penalties.
Limits on AI in your therapy
AI cannot make treatment decisions or directly talk with clients in therapy. It cannot create treatment plans or try to detect emotions or mental states. If a session is recorded or transcribed, AI companions or tools that simulate bonding need written notice and your signed, affirmative consent. The notice must say AI will be used and why. Any allowed AI use must still follow these consent rules.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Lori Urso
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
John P. Burke
Democratic • Senate
Louis P. DiPalma
Democratic • Senate
Stefano V. Famiglietti
Democratic • Senate
Victoria Gu
Democratic • Senate
Thomas J. Paolino
Republican • Senate
David P. Tikoian
Democratic • Senate
Samuel D. Zurier
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 5/21/2026
RELATING BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE- A.I TECH. MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACT Passage as Amended Passage
Yes: 37 • No: 0
Senate vote • 5/21/2026
RELATING BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE- A.I TECH. MENTAL HEALTH CARE ACT Approval of Amendment Passage
Yes: 36 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Signed by Governor — Chapter 374
6/22/2026GovernorTransmitted to Governor
6/18/2026GovernorHouse passed Sub A as amended in concurrence
6/8/2026HousePlaced on House Calendar (06/08/2026)
6/5/2026HouseCommittee recommends passage of Sub A as amended in concurrence
6/4/2026Scheduled for consideration (06/04/2026)
6/2/2026Referred to House Health & Human Services
5/22/2026HouseSenate passed Sub A as amended (floor amendment)
5/21/2026SenatePlaced on Senate Calendar (05/21/2026)
5/15/2026SenateCommittee recommends passage of Sub A
5/14/2026Proposed Substitute
5/13/2026Scheduled for consideration (05/14/2026)
5/12/2026Committee recommended measure be held for further study
3/24/2026Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/24/2026)
3/20/2026Introduced, referred to Senate Artificial Intelligence & Emerging Technol
1/23/2026Senate
Bill Text
S2197 - As Introduced
1/23/2026
S2197 - Substitute
1/23/2026
S2197 - Substitute As Amended
1/23/2026
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