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AI Summary
The bill aims to establish requirements for companion chatbots in California to address user crises, focusing on user safety and encouraging human intervention.
Business Impact
If you operate a companion chatbot in California, you must implement crisis interruption protocols by January 1, 2028, or face enforcement actions.
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
The Companion chatbots: crisis interruption pauses bill proposes requirements for companion chatbots in California to address user crises. It aims to enhance user safety and encourage human intervention during critical moments.
Key Provisions
- Operators should implement protocols for detecting user crises and encourage human support.
- Chatbots should be equipped to handle crisis situations appropriately, focusing on user safety and mental health support.
Latest Legislative Action
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Gail Pellerin D | Sponsor | HD-028 |
Roll Call Votes (showing 3 of 4)
A ·
AB 1988 Pellerin Assembly Third Reading ·
May 21, 2026
73 Yea
0 Nay
7 Other
Passed ✓
A ·
Do pass ·
May 14, 2026
15 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
A ·
Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar ·
Apr 21, 2026
16 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Implement protocols for detecting credible crisis expressions
Who: Operators of companion chatbots
Deadline: By January 1, 2028
Penalty: Enforcement actions may be taken for non-compliance
Who: Operators of companion chatbots
Deadline: By January 1, 2028
Penalty: Enforcement actions may be taken for non-compliance
Document and report crisis expression data
Who: Operators of companion chatbots
Deadline: Annually starting January 1, 2028
Penalty: Enforcement actions may be taken for non-compliance
Who: Operators of companion chatbots
Deadline: Annually starting January 1, 2028
Penalty: Enforcement actions may be taken for non-compliance
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
The Companion chatbots: crisis interruption pauses bill proposes that operators of companion chatbots implement protocols for identifying and responding to user crises. The bill suggests that chatbots should be equipped to handle crisis situations appropriately, with a focus on user safety and mental health support. Specific requirements and language used in the bill should be verified once the full text is available.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View AB1988 on official legislature website →
Related Topics
Affected Industries
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