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Bill

SB 300

Companion chatbots.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Padilla

California SB 300 mandates disclosure and restricts deceptive practices by AI companion chatbots while establishing developer liability for harm to minors and vulnerable users.

Referred to Com. on P. & C.P.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 300

Legislative bill overview

SB 300 regulates "companion chatbots"—AI systems designed to simulate emotional relationships or companionship with users. The bill establishes disclosure requirements, prohibits certain deceptive practices, and creates liability frameworks for developers of these systems. It addresses the emerging market of AI companions marketed to vulnerable populations, particularly minors and elderly individuals.

Why is this important

Companion chatbots represent a growing commercial sector with significant psychological implications, especially for isolated individuals. The bill addresses concerns about exploitation, emotional manipulation, data privacy, and the potential harms of AI systems that simulate human intimacy or familial relationships. This is among the first state-level attempts to regulate this technology category.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: What constitutes a "companion chatbot" versus general conversational AI could determine applicability and create compliance ambiguity for developers
  • Minor protections vs. autonomy: Restrictions on marketing to minors and prohibitions on certain emotional manipulation may conflict with free speech arguments and parental rights principles
  • Liability allocation: Determining whether developers bear responsibility for user harms from prolonged emotional dependency raises questions about causation and reasonable foreseeability
  • Industry impact: Compliance costs and liability exposure may disproportionately burden smaller developers while larger tech companies absorb expenses more easily

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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