State Health AI Law Tracker/California
California SB 243 · AI therapy / mental health chatbots · Effective
Companion chatbots
Effective January 1, 2026
What the law does
California SB 243 regulates companion chatbots that sustain human-like, multi-turn relationships. Operators must disclose AI status when a reasonable person could be misled, maintain and publish protocols for suicidal ideation and self-harm, and give minors break reminders and sexual-content safeguards. Annual reporting to the Office of Suicide Prevention begins July 1, 2027. The law took effect January 1, 2026.
- State
- California
- Bill number
- SB 243
- Topic
- AI therapy / mental health chatbots
- Status
- Effective
- Date enacted
- October 13, 2025
- Date effective
- January 1, 2026
- Applies to
- Vendors
Related companies
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More AI therapy / mental health chatbots laws
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Oregon · SB 1546
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