JEFFERSON CITY — The Senate Committee on General Laws heard legislation Wednesday that would regulate artificial intelligence–generated material, particularly sexual content and mental health services.
House Bill 2035, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Farnan, R-Stanberry, would prohibit the use of AI to create sexually explicit content using another person’s likeness without consent. This would also expand state law to include AI-generated depictions in child pornography statutes.
The bill restricts artificial intelligence systems from presenting themselves as licensed mental health professionals or providing diagnoses in ways that mislead consumers.
Supporters of the bill said it addresses growing concerns about the misuse of AI technology and the need to protect vulnerable individuals. Arnie Dienoff told lawmakers that safeguards are necessary to ensure individuals in crisis receive tangible help from qualified professionals.
“We need to make sure when people are having a health crisis or a mental health breakdown, that they’re actually talking to a mental health professional,” Dienoff said.
The bill also received support from mental health advocates who said the provisions are intended to protect users rather than regulate AI technology itself.
Jessica Petrie Thelemaque of the National Association of Social Workers said the measure would help prevent artificial intelligence systems from falsely presenting themselves as licensed mental health care providers.
“This isn’t trying to regulate the operations of AI models but is trying to get at how they advertise and represent themselves to consumers,” Thelemaque said.
Religious organizations also supported the bill’s provisions expanding child pornography laws to include artificially generated material. Curtis Wichmer of the Missouri Catholic Conference said limiting the production of AI-generated explicit material involving minors is necessary to protect children from exploitation.
Under the legislation, violations would be considered unlawful practices under the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act. The act is the state’s consumer protection law that prohibits deceptive or misleading business practices.