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California Senate Passes Bill Banning AI Therapy Chatbots

8/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

California State Senator Steve Padilla introduced Senate Bill 903 to ban AI chatbots from being advertised as therapy and to require oversight of decisions.
The bill, which also forces providers to disclose AI use and obtain patient consent for AI-assisted mental-health triage, passed the Senate and awaits a fiscal committee vote.
Supporters and TechNet disagree, with supporters saying the bill protects consumers and TechNet warning it could limit access to tools.

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Story summary

California State Senator Steve Padilla introduced Senate Bill 903 to ban AI chatbots from being advertised as therapy and to require oversight of decisions.
The bill, which also forces providers to disclose AI use and obtain patient consent for AI-assisted mental-health triage, passed the Senate and awaits a fiscal committee vote.
Supporters and TechNet disagree, with supporters saying the bill protects consumers and TechNet warning it could limit access to tools.