Addictive Design Act of 2026

(a) Research grant program

(1) In general. The Secretary of Health and Human Services (in this section referred to as the Secretary) shall make grants to institutions of higher education to conduct research projects on the impact of the use of AI chatbots on youth mental health, including to inform the recommendations described in section 3(c)(2).

(2) Condition of receiving grant. As a condition of receiving a grant under this subsection, an institution of higher education shall demonstrate an ability to safely store any data received when conducting research.

(3) Request for data and information. An institution of higher education that receives any funds through a grant under this subsection may request from a covered entity any data and information that is necessary and relevant to the research to be conducted using such funds.

(b) Outreach grant program

(1) In general. The Secretary shall make grants to eligible entities to provide outreach to parents, legal guardians, and covered teachers in the form of training or any such other activity determined appropriate by the Secretary.

(2) Content of outreach. An eligible entity that receives a grant under this subsection shall include in any outreach—

(A) a method for identifying, and responding to, any warning sign of a mental health risk, including unhealthy emotional attachment and addiction to use of an AI chatbot, in youth who use an AI chatbot;

(B) any mental health risk associated with the use of an AI chatbot, specifically an AI chatbot that includes an addictive design feature, by youth; and

(C) a method for discussing any such warning sign with youth.

(3) Eligible entity defined. The term eligible entity means an entity that is—

(A) an organization described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such Code; or

(B) a community-based organization with experience working with parents and covered teachers.

(c) Reports. The Secretary shall submit to each appropriate congressional committee a report containing—

(1) information on any institution of higher education or eligible entity that receives a grant under subsection (a) or (b), respectively; and

(2) the amount of each such grant.

(d) Authorization of appropriations. There is authorized to be appropriated for fiscal years 2027 through 2032—

(1) $3,000,000 to carry out subsection (a); and

(2) $5,000,000 to carry out subsection (b).