The Overview

A new California law bans making, selling, or offering for sale toys that include a companion chatbot until January 1, 2031. California's Senate Bill 867, "Toys: companion chatbots," became law when Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed it Sept. 10. The move comes as federal regulators and journalists have raised alarms about AI companion chatbots' effects on children. ​

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission opened an inquiry into how companies handle children's interactions with companion chatbots. A Reuters investigation found that internal Meta chatbot guidance had allowed some bots to engage children in provocative or "sensual" conversations. The ban runs until Jan. 1, 2031.

What the Law Does

The law prohibits the manufacture, sale, exchange, possession with intent to sell or exchange, and display or offer for sale of any toy that includes a companion chatbot, defined under existing California law as an AI system with a natural-language interface that provides adaptive, human-like responses and can sustain a relationship across multiple interactions.

It amends the existing state law regulating toy sales and manufacture, which already bans toys contaminated with toxic substances. Violations carry the same civil liability as violations of California's existing companion chatbot disclosure rules.

Legislative Status

Sen. Steve Padilla (D-CA-18) sponsored the bill, with co-authors including Sen. Bob Archuleta (D-CA-30), Sen. Jerry McNerney (D-CA-5), Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-CA-19), Asm. Juan Alanis (R-CA-22), and six other Assembly members. The Senate passed the bill 39 to 0 on May 28. The Assembly passed it 74 to 1 on Aug. 31, and the Senate concurred in Assembly amendments 39 to 0 the same day.

Padilla said in a Senate press release: "As a Pro-Kid bill, SB 867 ensures parents should never have to wonder whether a toy is delivering something other than simple playtime." The Civil Justice Association of California and the California Retailers Association opposed the bill, according to an Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee analysis.

The Reason Foundation argued in testimony that the law would cover toys with companion chatbots regardless of what safety measures their manufacturers had put in place.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article