AB1988California2025 sessionEngrossed
Companion chatbots: crisis interruption pauses.
Plain-language summary
Requires AI-powered companion chatbots in California to implement crisis interruption pauses when users exhibit signs of mental health distress, such as suicidal ideation. The bill adds a new chapter to the Business and Professions Code mandating that chatbot operators integrate safety mechanisms to pause or redirect conversations during emergencies. It protects vulnerable users who form relational or emotional bonds with AI companion apps.
Summary generated by AI from the official bill text — may contain errors.
History
Feb 13, 2026
ARead first time. To print.
Feb 14, 2026
AFrom printer. May be heard in committee March 16.
Mar 9, 2026
AReferred to Coms. on P. & C.P. and HEALTH.
Apr 13, 2026
AAssembly Rule 56 suspended. (Page 4580.)
Apr 13, 2026
A(Pending re-refer to Com. on HEALTH)
Apr 14, 2026
AFrom committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on P. & C.P. Read second time and amended.
Apr 15, 2026
ARe-referred to Com. on P. & C.P.
Apr 16, 2026
AFrom committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on HEALTH. (Ayes 14. Noes 0.) (April 16). Re-referred to Com. on HEALTH.
Apr 22, 2026
AFrom committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (April 21). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
May 6, 2026
AIn committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file.
May 14, 2026
AFrom committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 14).
May 18, 2026
ARead second time. Ordered to third reading.
May 21, 2026
ARead third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 73. Noes 0. Page 5214.)
May 21, 2026
SIn Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
Jun 3, 2026
SReferred to Coms. on P., D.T., & C.P. and HEALTH.
Jun 12, 2026
SIn committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
Jun 22, 2026
SIn committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
Jun 26, 2026
SIn committee: Set, final hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
Progress
Introduced
EngrossedMay 21, 2026
Enrolled
Passed
Signed into law
Sponsors
GP
Rep. Gail Pellerin (D)Prime sponsor
Sources
Always verify against the official source. Summaries are AI-generated and may contain errors.