United States of America: California State Legislature adopted Bill amending the California Business and Professions Code to include obligations for operators of companion chatbot platforms (SB 243)

California State Legislature adopted Bill amending the California Business and Professions Code to include obligations for operators of companion chatbot platforms (SB 243)

On 11 September 2025, the California State Legislature adopted the Bill amending the California Business and Professions Code to include obligations for operators of companion chatbot platforms (SB 243). The Bill defines “companion chatbot” as an ar…

Scope

Policy Area

Consumer protection

Policy Instrument

Fair marketing and advertising practice requirement

Regulated Economic Activity

ML and AI development

Implementation Level

subnational

Government Branch

legislature

Government Body

parliament

Complete timeline of this policy change

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2025-01-30

under deliberation

On 30 January 2025, the Bill establishing obligations for chatbots used by minors (SB 243) was intr…

2025-06-03

under deliberation

On 3 June 2025, the Bill amending the California Business and Professions Code to include obligatio…

2025-09-11

adopted

On 11 September 2025, the California State Legislature adopted the Bill amending the California Bus…

2025-10-13

adopted

On 13 October 2025, the Governor of California signed into law the Bill amending the California Bus…

2026-01-01

in grace period

On 1 January 2026, the Law on Companion Chatbots (SB 243) enters into force, adding Chapter 22.6 (c…

2027-07-01

in force

On 1 July 2027, the annual reporting obligations under the Law on Companion Chatbots (SB 243) enter…

Description

California State Legislature adopted Bill amending the California Business and Professions Code to include obligations for operators of companion chatbot platforms (SB 243)

Scope

Complete timeline of this policy change