Common Sense Media Statement on Passage of AB 2023 and SB 1119

SAN FRANCISCO, September 1, 2026 — The California State Senate passed AB 2023, followed by the Assembly, which passed the companion measure, SB 1119. The bills, authored by Assemblymembers Buffy Wicks and Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and Senator Steve Padilla, establish safety guardrails on AI chatbots used by teens and include other provisions to improve transparency and accountability about chatbots.

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

"Big Tech turned loose a product it never tested on the children most likely to use it. Our kids became the test subjects, and the results are devastating. These companies knew the risks and shipped anyway. Today the legislature re-balanced the scales. AI companies will have to find the dangers before our children do. Independent auditors will check the work. If companies are suspected of wrongdoing, the Attorney General will investigate. The Governor asked the legislature for a bill on AI and kids. Wicks, Bauer-Kahan and Padilla delivered. He should sign it."

AB 2023 and SB 1119 require operators of companion chatbots to conduct annual child safety risk assessments, submit to independent audits, and provide crisis referrals.

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.