Bill · S. 4678· Senate(119-S-4678)
SIMS Act
- Introduced
- 6/3/2026
- Last activity
- 6/3/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- Sponsored by
- Bill Cassidy
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
S. 4678, known as the Stopping Illegal Minor Simulations Act or the SIMS Act, makes it illegal for anyone to provide a chatbot that simulates a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct or conversations. The bill applies to chatbots that use text, audio, visual, or other means to mimic human interaction and produce adaptive responses. It exempts law enforcement agencies involved in investigating child sexual exploitation from the prohibition. The legislation also allows for research and evaluation activities to assess whether a chatbot violates the law. People who willfully violate the prohibition face criminal fines, civil penalties, and civil enforcement actions brought by the Attorney General.
Yes· 3 of 5
Would children be better off under this?+8
The bill provides significant protection for minors by banning sexually explicit simulations that mimic children.
Does this put more rules on large technology companies?+5
The bill regulates chatbot providers by establishing strict prohibitions against offering minor-simulating sexually explicit features.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The legislation increases federal oversight and enforcement authority through the Department of Justice regarding AI chatbots.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection from Explicit Simulations: Section 2(a) enacting Section 2260B(b)(1) makes it unlawful for covered entities to make available chatbots that simulate a minor in sexually explicit conduct or conversation. This protects individuals from harm by banning the creation and availability of these specific harmful simulations.
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Support for Law Enforcement: Section 2(a) enacting Section 2260B(b)(2) allows the Attorney General to grant exemptions to Federal, State, local, and foreign law enforcement agencies. This is a positive provision because it ensures law enforcement can investigate child sexual exploitation.
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Safeguards for Research: Section 2(a) enacting Section 2260B(b)(3)(A) clarifies that the law does not prohibit internal or external research, red-teaming, or other evaluation. This allows experts to test and study chatbots to ensure they comply with the law without fear of legal liability.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- Burdens of Criminal and Civil Penalties: Section 2(a) enacting Section 2260B(c) and Section 2260B(d)(3) imposes fines and civil penalties of up to $100,000 for violations. While aimed at enforcement, these heavy financial burdens could negatively impact entities that fail to comply with the new rules.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Children+8
- Education And Technology
- Increases Big Tech Regulation+5
- Governance And Ideology
- Increases Federal Power+3Improves Government Transparency+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+3
- 6/3/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
- 3 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in Senate
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
Jon HustedRepublican · Ohio
Christopher MurphyDemocrat · Connecticut