Overview

• Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 243, making California the first state to set rules for AI companions, with the law taking effect on January 1, 2026.
• Operators must disclose that chats are AI, issue break and identity reminders to minors at least every three hours, block sexually explicit content for under-18s, and maintain suicide and self-harm detection with referrals to crisis services.
• Chatbots are barred from representing themselves as healthcare professionals, and companies must submit data on detected suicidal ideation and crisis notifications to state health authorities.
• The law provides avenues for accountability, including a private right of action for families when developers violate the requirements.
• Some child-safety groups withdrew support, calling the bill diluted after industry lobbying, as Newsom vetoed AB 1064, a tougher measure that he warned could effectively block minors’ access to chatbots.