A California bill that would regulate AI companion chatbots is close to becoming law

California has taken a major step towards AI control. SB 243 – A bill that will control the AI ​​companion chatbot to protect minors and weak users – both the State Assembly and the Senate have passed with bipartisan support and now go to the governor Gavin News Desk.

News is to veto the bill until October 12th or to sign in to the law. If he signed it on January 1, 2026, AI Chattabot operators in California create the first state to retain legally responsible companies for implementing protection protocols for AI disciples for AI disciples in California.

The bill is especially to prevent companion chatbots, which defines the law as an AI system that adapts, provides human-like reactions and is involved in conversation related to self-loss or sexually clear content capable of meeting user’s social needs. The bill will need platforms to provide repeat alerts in the bill – every three hours for minors – reminding them that they are talking to an AI chatboat, not a true person and they should take a break. It establishes annual reports and transparent requirements for AI companies that provide partner chatboats including OpenAE, character.AI, and replica, which will be effective in July 1, 2027.

California bills will also be allowed to be permitted who believe that they were injured in the case of lawyer relief, damage (up to $ 1,000 per violation) and attorney fees against AI companies.

The bill has achieved speed by following the California Legislative Assembly Teenage Adam Rhine’s deathWho committed suicide after a prolonged chat with Openai’s Chatzipt, which is involved in discussing and planning his death and self-loss. The law responded to the leakage Internal document It has been shown that Meta’s chatties were allowed to be involved in “romantic” and “sensual” chats with kids.

In recent weeks, US lawmakers and regulators have responded to intense investigation into the AI ​​platform to protect minors. The Federal Trade Commission AI Chatbots are preparing to investigate how children will affect children’s mental health. The Attorney General of Texas contains Ken Packstone Start investigation Meta and character. In the IA, they complain to misleading children demanding their mental health. Meanwhile, both Sen Josh Haoli (R-Mo) and Sen Ed Marki (D-MA) Meta has launched a separate probe.

Padilla told TechCrunch, “I think the loss is possible, which means we need to move quickly.” “In particular, minors know that they are not talking to a true man, when these platforms are thinking of hurting themselves or saying that they are in crisis, these platforms can be arranged to ensure that these platforms connect people with proper resources, we can arrange reasonable protection. [and] To ensure that inappropriate elements do not have inappropriate exposure. “

Padilla AI agencies also emphasized the importance of sharing their data by referring to users in crisis services every year, “So we have a better idea about the frequency of this problem than just being aware of the loss or bad.”

There was a more powerful requirement before SB23, but many were shaken by amendments. For example, the bill was essentially needed to prevent the AI ​​chatbots from using “variable rewards” strategies or additional features that encourage extra busyness. These techniques, used by AI associate agencies such as replica and character, provide special messages, memories, story lines or the ability to unlock the rare personality or new personality, which critics are called addictive rewards loop.

The current bill also removes the provisions that operates the trackbots of the operators to track and report how many times the trackbots or users begin to discuss with users.

Baker told TechCrunch, “I think it hurts the right balance to reach the victims without applying anything, which is impossible for companies, because it is not possible or not just a lot of papers for anything,” said Baker TechCranch.

SB243 is moving towards becoming SB243 Act at the time Silicon Valley companies are ing A few million dollars in pro-i Political Action Committees (PAC) to support the upcoming mid-melodic elections who are in favor of a light-touching approach for AI control.

The bill also comes when the weight of another AI protection bill in California, SB 53Which orders the need for a wide transparent report. Opeeni writes an open letter to the Governor News, asked him to leave the bill for the less strict federal and international structure. Main technology companies like Meta, Google and Amazon have also opposed SB 53. Only contrast The anthropologist says it supports SB 53The

Padilla said, “I reject this foundation that this is a zero amount of situation, that innovation and control are mutually exclusive,” Padilla said. “Don’t tell me that we can’t walk and chew gum we We can support innovation and development that we think is healthy and has the advantages – and this technology has the advantages of clearly – and at the same time we can provide reasonable security for the weakest people.”

“We are closely monitoring the legislature and the regulatory landscape, and as we begin to consider the law for this emerging place, we welcome the work with the controllers and lawmakers,” a character.

A spokesman for Meta refused to comment.

TechCrunch has reached the Openai, ethnographic and to comment to the Replica.