AB2023California2025 sessionEngrossed

Companion chatbots: children’s safety.

Child safety (incl. AI-CSAM)Consumer protection & disclosure

Plain-language summary

Establishes safety requirements for AI-powered companion chatbots directed at or accessible to children in California. The bill adds a new chapter to the Business and Professions Code imposing child-protective design standards on companies that operate companion chatbot platforms where minors are users. It aims to prevent harm to children from unrestricted or manipulative AI companion interactions.

Summary generated by AI from the official bill text — may contain errors.

History

Feb 17, 2026

ARead first time. To print.

Feb 18, 2026

AFrom printer. May be heard in committee March 20.

Mar 19, 2026

AReferred to Coms. on P. & C.P. and JUD.

Mar 19, 2026

AFrom committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on P. & C.P. Read second time and amended.

Mar 23, 2026

ARe-referred to Com. on P. & C.P.

Mar 25, 2026

AFrom committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on P. & C.P. Read second time and amended.

Mar 26, 2026

ARe-referred to Com. on P. & C.P.

Apr 13, 2026

AIn committee: Hearing postponed by committee.

Apr 13, 2026

AFrom committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on P. & C.P. Read second time and amended.

Apr 14, 2026

ARe-referred to Com. on P. & C.P.

Apr 23, 2026

AFrom committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 13. Noes 2.) (April 21).

Apr 27, 2026

ARead second time and amended.

Apr 28, 2026

ARe-referred to Com. on APPR.

May 13, 2026

AIn committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.

May 14, 2026

AJoint Rule 62(a), file notice suspended. (Page 5030.)

May 14, 2026

AFrom committee: Do pass. (Ayes 12. Noes 3.) (May 14).

May 18, 2026

ARead second time. Ordered to third reading.

May 26, 2026

ARead third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 66. Noes 8.)

May 27, 2026

SIn Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.

Jun 3, 2026

SReferred to Coms. on P., D.T., & C.P. and JUD.

Jun 16, 2026

SFrom committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on JUD. (Ayes 7. Noes 1.) (June 15).

Jun 17, 2026

SRead second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on JUD.

Jun 24, 2026

SFrom committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (June 23). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

Progress

Introduced

EngrossedMay 26, 2026

Enrolled

Passed

Signed into law