California State Senate Advances AB2, Most Impactful Bill for Kids Online Safety, Now One vote Away from Governor Newsom’s Desk

SAN FRANCISCO, August 27, 2026— The California State Senate today passed AB2 by Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal. The bill now returns for a procedural vote in the Assembly before it is sent to Governor Newsom for his consideration. The bill increases financial penalties on social media platforms whose products are proven in court to have harmed children. Common Sense Media sponsored the bill.

The bill cleared the Assembly floor 66 to 0 and passed every policy committee in both houses without a single no vote. It was approved by the Senate on Thursday.

Jim Steyer, founder and CEO of Common Sense Media, issued the following statement:

"We have giant social media companies on the ropes. With the legislature's approval of AB2, and with the landmark settlement agreement with META announced on Wednesday, the momentum has swung to the side of children and families. All we need now is Governor Newsom's signature on this bill that will provide the quickest and most impactful method of ensuring social media companies change their design features to protect children's mental and physical health. It is that simple. AB2 ensures that companies will pay a higher price for hooking a child online than protecting them."

About Common Sense Media

Common Sense Media is the leading nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the research-backed information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive in the age of apps, algorithms, and AI. We rate, educate, and advocate to protect and prepare kids online. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users globally, over 1.4 million educators, and more than 100,000 schools worldwide every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.