AI Chatbot Bills Pass California Legislature
The California legislature passed two bills on AI chatbots Thursday. Nearing the finish line are bills on automated decisions by employers and social media warning labels. The legislature passed measures earlier in the day on universal opt-out preference signals, data brokers and social media data deletion (see 2509110066).
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At our press time Friday, California legislators were holding votes as they worked toward a deadline that night to pass bills. Next, Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) will have until Oct. 12 to sign bills passed by the legislature.
On Thursday, the Assembly voted 60-8 to concur with Senate amendments to AB-1064, a kids online safety bill focused on AI chatbots. Privacy Committee Chair Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D) authored the legislation. The Senate passed the bill earlier this week. Meanwhile, the Senate voted 33-3 to agree with Assembly changes to SB-243, another bill on companion chatbots. The bill next needs Newsom’s signature.
Also, the Assembly voted 45-17 for SB-7, governing employers’ use of automated decision systems. Recent amendments removed an originally proposed workers’ right to appeal such automated decisions (see 2509030010) but added a right to request information (see 2509080005).
In addition, the Senate voted 30-5 in favor of AB-56, another Bauer-Kahan proposal that requires social media platforms to post mental health warnings about their products. Common Sense Media CEO James Steyer applauded its passage in a statement. “Families need and deserve to know the risks of excessive use.”
At our deadline, SB-7 and AB-56 still hadn’t passed the entire legislature.