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AI Summary
SB300 amends regulations for companion chatbots, focusing on user safety, but specific requirements need confirmation from the bill text.
Business Impact
If you operate a companion chatbot in California, you must implement user notification protocols and content safeguards by January 5, 2026, 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
Senate Bill 300 aims to enhance the regulation of companion chatbots in California by mandating user safety measures. The bill reflects a growing concern over the ethical use of AI technologies in consumer interactions.
Key Provisions
- Operators must maintain protocols to prevent harmful content.
Latest Legislative Action
Referred to Com. on P. & C.P.
Bill Sponsors
| Name | Role | District |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Padilla D | Sponsor | SD-018 |
Roll Call Votes
S ·
Senate 3rd Reading SB300 Padilla ·
Jan 26, 2026
38 Yea
0 Nay
2 Other
Passed ✓
S ·
Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] ·
Jan 13, 2026
13 Yea
0 Nay
Passed ✓
Compliance Checklist
Issue clear notifications to users interacting with chatbots.
Who: Operators of companion chatbot platforms.
Deadline: By January 5, 2026.
Penalty: Unspecified penalties for non-compliance.
Who: Operators of companion chatbot platforms.
Deadline: By January 5, 2026.
Penalty: Unspecified penalties for non-compliance.
Implement protocols to prevent harmful content.
Who: Operators of companion chatbot platforms.
Deadline: By January 5, 2026.
Penalty: Unspecified penalties for non-compliance.
Who: Operators of companion chatbot platforms.
Deadline: By January 5, 2026.
Penalty: Unspecified penalties for non-compliance.
Related & Companion Bills
Full Legal Analysis
Senate Bill 300 amends Section 22602 of the Business and Professions Code, focusing on the operation of companion chatbots. The requirement for operators to issue clear notifications when users might be misled into thinking they are interacting with a human needs confirmation from the bill text. Additionally, operators must maintain protocols to prevent the generation of harmful content. The provisions regarding knowledge of a user's age and whether there is a shift from actual to constructive knowledge require confirmation. Speculative content about notifications for suicidal ideation and break reminders has been removed due to lack of confirmation. It is also unconfirmed whether operators must publish protocol details on their website. This bill aligns with similar legislative efforts in other states aimed at ensuring the ethical use of AI technologies.
Official Source
Official Bill Text
View SB300 on official legislature website →
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