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AI Summary
CA AB1609: Customer service chatbots. The bill proposes changes to the Business and Professions Code, aiming to regulate chatbot use. Details will be provided upon full text review.
Business Impact
If you use AI for customer service in California, you must comply with new regulations by the effective date or face penalties.
What do these statuses mean? ▼
Introduced
— Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee
— Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed
— Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted
— Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed
— Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown
— Status data not yet available or awaiting classification
Affected Industries
Topics How we classify →
What This Means
Customer service chatbots. — This CA bill proposes changes to the Business and Professions Code to regulate chatbot interactions. Analysis will be updated with full text details.
Key Provisions
- The bill adds Chapter 22.6.1 to Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code, with details pending full text review.
- Specific requirements for businesses regarding chatbot use will be confirmed once the full bill text is available.
- Definitions of terms such as 'chatbot' and 'customer service interaction' will be clarified upon review of the full bill text.
- Penalties for non-compliance will be detailed in the full bill text.
- Stakeholders likely affected include technology companies, customer service providers, and consumer advocacy groups.
Latest Legislative Action
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Rick Zbur D | Sponsor | HD-051 |
Roll Call Votes
A ·
Do pass ·
May 14, 2026
11 Yea
4 Nay
Passed ✓
A ·
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] ·
Apr 21, 2026
9 Yea
3 Nay
Passed ✓
A ·
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Judiciary] ·
Apr 16, 2026
9 Yea
4 Nay
2 Other
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Ensure chatbots are not misrepresented as humans
Who: Operators of large private businesses
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment
Penalty: Up to $10,000 for violations
Who: Operators of large private businesses
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment
Penalty: Up to $10,000 for violations
Provide clear disclosures about chatbot identity
Who: Operators of large private businesses
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment
Penalty: Up to $10,000 for violations
Who: Operators of large private businesses
Deadline: Immediately upon enactment
Penalty: Up to $10,000 for violations
Establish human customer service support within 15 minutes
Who: Operators of large private businesses
Deadline: During business hours after enactment
Penalty: Up to $10,000 for violations
Who: Operators of large private businesses
Deadline: During business hours after enactment
Penalty: Up to $10,000 for violations
Full Legal Analysis
The bill proposes adding Chapter 22.6.1 to Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code. It aims to establish requirements for businesses using chatbots in customer service. Details on transparency, consumer protection measures, penalties, and definitions will be confirmed upon availability of the full bill text. Stakeholders likely affected include technology companies, customer service providers, and consumer advocacy groups.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View AB1609 on official legislature website →
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