CA SB1146: Advertisement claims: health-related consumer products and services: digital replicas and synthetic performers.

In one paragraph

California's SB 1146 (Gonzalez) would add Business and Professions Code 651.4, requiring a person who creates an advertisement for a health-related consumer product or service that includes a digital replica or synthetic performer depicted as a health care provider to include a clear and conspicuous disclosure that the provider was AI-generated or altered or that no human provider is depicted. Passed the Senate 36-0 on May 18, 2026; held in Assembly Appropriations August 13, 2026; it did not pass.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

None: the bill did not pass. It would have required advertisers of health-related products and services using AI-generated or synthetic health care providers to disclose that in the ad, and let people whose digital replica was used sue.

Key provisions

1. 1Would apply to ads for a health-related consumer product or service (marketed primarily for personal, family or household use as having a health benefit, such as dietary supplements and medical and dental goods and services)
2. 2Would apply to an ad that includes a digital replica or synthetic performer depicted as a health care provider, defined as a person licensed under the Business and Professions Code division
3. 3The creator of the ad would have to include a clear and conspicuous disclosure, defined as one that is difficult to miss and easily understandable to a reasonable consumer
4. 4Would state that it does not authorize use of a digital replica for commercial purposes without the individual's consent
5. 5Would provide that a violation constitutes a violation of Business and Professions Code 17500 enforceable under the Unfair Competition Law, and not a misdemeanor under the article regulating healing arts licensees
6. 6A natural person whose digital replica is used in a violating ad could sue the ad's creator for any appropriate remedy, including injunctive relief; remedies would be cumulative with other law, including Civil Code 3344
7. 7Introduced February 18, 2026; passed the Senate 36-0 May 18, 2026; held in Assembly Appropriations under submission August 13, 2026

Latest legislative action

Aug 13, 2026. August 13 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.

Sponsors

Roll call votes (showing 3 of 5)