Rhode Island — Federal AI Profile + State AI Laws (§11-64-3 deepfake NCII 2025; Title 17 Ch 17-30 election synthetic media 2025; 3 new 2026 laws: chatbot self-harm safety, AI-therapy ban, healthcare AI notification): AI Compliance Requirements

Rhode Island enacted three new AI laws, signed by Gov. McKee 2026-06-22. (1) S 2195/H 7350, Chatbot Self-Harm Safety Act: chatbot operators must implement protocols addressing user-expressed suicidal ideation/self-harm and notify users of crisis services; AG-enforced civil penalty up to $15,000/day (fines fund suicide-prevention programs); annual reporting begins 2027-07-01. (2) H 7349/S 2197, Oversight of AI in Mental Health Care: bans offering therapy/psychotherapy services without a licensed professional, using AI to simulate emotional attachment/bonding, deploying AI companions for mental-health support, and using AI in therapeutic sessions without the client's written consent. (3) H 7538, Healthcare AI Notification Act: healthcare providers using AI for clinical documentation must notify patients of the AI use and review the AI output for accuracy after the visit. Counsel should confirm exact effective dates and penalty structures for (2) and (3) against the enacted text — not independently located this cycle. legal_review_pending.

Rhode Island enacted two AI/synthetic-media statutes, both signed by Gov. Daniel McKee July 2, 2025. (1) H5046/S0136 amended R.I. Gen. Laws § 11-64-3 (unauthorized dissemination of indecent material) to cover images "created by a digital device or altered by digitization" — AI-generated/deepfake nonconsensual intimate imagery of identifiable real people; criminal penalties: first offense misdemeanor (up to 1 year / $1,000), repeat felony (up to 3 years / $3,000), threat-to-disclose-for-gain (up to 5 years / $5,000), enforced by state criminal prosecution (RI AG / state's attorneys). (2) H5872A/S0816A created R.I. Gen. Laws Title 17, Chapter 17-30 (§ 17-30-1), prohibiting candidates, campaign/PAC/party committees, and independent-expenditure spenders from distributing "deceptive and fraudulent synthetic media" within 90 days of an election unless it carries a disclosure that the media was manipulated or AI-generated; a depicted candidate may seek an injunction (civil enforcement), with satire/parody and news-media exemptions. Counsel should confirm the § 11-64-3 penalty tiers, the Title 17 Ch. 17-30 scope and remedy, and the July 2, 2025 effective dates against the codified text. legal_review_pending.

FTC Act § 5 applies to all Rhode Island businesses using AI. Rhode Island Deceptive Trade Practices Act (R.I. Gen. Laws § 6-13.1) provides a private right of action for AI-driven deceptive practices. Rhode Island AG has pursued consumer protection cases involving algorithmic practices. Ensure AI chatbots disclose their nature, AI claims are truthful, and AI-driven pricing does not harm consumers.

EEOC May 2023 guidance applies to Rhode Island employers using AI hiring, scheduling, or performance evaluation tools. Rhode Island Fair Employment Practices Act (FEPA) provides independent state enforcement. Rhode Island's healthcare systems (Lifespan, Care New England) and defense contractors using AI hiring tools must test for disparate impact on protected classes.

Rhode Island's healthcare systems (Lifespan/Rhode Island Hospital, Care New England) are significant AI deployers for clinical decision support and diagnostics. AI systems processing Protected Health Information must comply with HIPAA Security and Privacy Rules. Rhode Island Health Information Exchange (HealthPath) AI integrations require additional HIPAA compliance documentation.

Monitor legislature.ri.gov for new AI bills. Rhode Island meets annually. H 7770 may be reintroduced. Rhode Island is influenced by Massachusetts AI regulatory trends and may follow Massachusetts AI legislation.