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United States of America: Law on Companion Chatbots (SB 243) enters into force with grace period

Policy overview

Description

Law on Companion Chatbots (SB 243) enters into force with grace period

On 1 January 2026, the Law on Companion Chatbots (SB 243) enters into force, adding Chapter 22.6 (commencing with Section 22601) to Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code. The law defines “companion chatbot” as an artificial intelligence sy…

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
executive
Government Body
central government

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…