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AI Summary
SB243 mandates operators of companion chatbots to disclose AI interactions and report on user safety measures.
Business Impact
If you operate a companion chatbot platform in California, you must disclose AI interactions and implement safety protocols by July 1, 2027, or face civil 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
California's SB243 introduces regulations for companion chatbots, focusing on user safety and transparency. Operators must disclose AI interactions and maintain protocols to prevent harmful content. This legislation aims to enhance user protection and accountability in AI interactions.
Key Provisions
- Operators must notify users when interacting with a companion chatbot.
- Operators must maintain protocols to prevent harmful content related to suicide or self-harm.
- The bill includes definitions for key terms related to AI and companion chatbots.
Latest Legislative Action
Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 677, Statutes of 2025.
Bill Sponsors (showing 5 of 7)
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Akilah Weber Pierson D | Sponsor | SD-039 |
| Gail Pellerin D | Sponsor | HD-028 |
| Henry Stern D | Sponsor | SD-027 |
| Josh Becker D | Sponsor | SD-013 |
| Josh Lowenthal D | Sponsor | HD-069 |
Roll Call Votes (showing 3 of 10)
S ·
Unfinished Business SB243 Padilla et al. Concurrence ·
Sep 11, 2025
33 Yea
3 Nay
4 Other
Passed ✓
A ·
SB 243 Padilla Senate Third Reading By Kalra ·
Sep 10, 2025
59 Yea
1 Nay
20 Other
Passed ✓
A ·
Do pass ·
Aug 29, 2025
13 Yea
1 Nay
1 Other
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Issue clear notifications that users are interacting with AI.
Who: Operators of companion chatbot platforms
Deadline: By July 1, 2027
Penalty: Civil action for damages
Who: Operators of companion chatbot platforms
Deadline: By July 1, 2027
Penalty: Civil action for damages
Implement protocols to prevent harmful content and disclose them online.
Who: Operators of companion chatbot platforms
Deadline: By July 1, 2027
Penalty: Civil action for damages
Who: Operators of companion chatbot platforms
Deadline: By July 1, 2027
Penalty: Civil action for damages
Annually report to the Office of Suicide Prevention.
Who: Operators of companion chatbot platforms
Deadline: Starting July 1, 2027
Penalty: Civil action for damages
Who: Operators of companion chatbot platforms
Deadline: Starting July 1, 2027
Penalty: Civil action for damages
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
Senate Bill No. 243 establishes regulations for operators of companion chatbots in California, requiring them to ensure users are aware they are interacting with AI rather than a human. Operators must implement protocols to prevent the generation of harmful content, particularly regarding suicidal ideation, and must disclose these protocols on their websites. The bill defines key terms such as 'companion chatbot' and outlines specific responsibilities for operators, setting a precedent for similar regulations in other states.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View SB243 on official legislature website →
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Affected Industries
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