California Signs Adam's Law on Companion Chatbots and Children

California enacts new rules for companion chatbots used by children

Published: September 10, 2026

On September 10, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1119, known as Adam’s Law, as part of a package of child online safety bills. The governor’s office announcement says the bill is named for Adam Raine. A legal analysis by the firm ZwillGen, dated September 16, 2026, lists the details below.

What the law requires

According to those sources, companion chatbot operators must:

• Either work out each user’s age or apply the child protections to everyone.
• Have a crisis response protocol that refers children to crisis services.
• Offer parental controls, and notify a parent if a child turns off safety settings.
• Run annual risk assessments and independent child safety audits. The first audit is due by January 1, 2029.
• Set protective defaults for children, including no persistent memory, no push notifications, a one-hour session limit and a two-hour daily cap. Linked parents can adjust them.
• Avoid claiming to be human or expressing romantic interest to children.

The law takes effect January 1, 2027, and most new duties start July 1, 2027. The attorney general can seek civil penalties of up to $5,000 per affected child for negligent violations and up to $15,000 for intentional ones. ZwillGen says there is also a private right of action.

What this does and does not show

The law sets rules. It does not show that companion chatbots cause harm in general, and nothing is known yet about how well it will work. Most requirements are not in force. Descriptions such as “strongest in the nation” come from the governor’s office.

What readers can do

• Parents: the rules are months away, so talk with your teen about chatbot use now.
• Ask what the chatbot is for, how long they spend on it and whether it ever says anything unsettling.
• Look for apps that let you set time limits and review settings.
• Adults who feel their own use is hard to manage can try the free self-check below.

If you need support

If you or someone you know is in distress, call or text 988 (US), text HOME to 741741 for Crisis Text Line, or call SAMHSA at 1-800-662-4357. In an emergency, call 911.

When does Adam’s Law take effect?

ZwillGen reports that it takes effect January 1, 2027, with most new obligations beginning July 1, 2027. Nothing changes for users today.

Does Adam’s Law ban teens from AI companions?

Not according to the sources we read. It requires age assurance, safety defaults, crisis protocols and audits. It does not appear to prohibit minors from using companion chatbots.

This page is for education only. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis or a treatment plan.