California Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Common Sense Media-Sponsored Kids’ AI Safety Legislation
Assembly Bill 1064, already approved by the Assembly, now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee
SAN FRANCISCO, July 16, 2025 — The California Senate Judiciary Committee has approved Assembly Bill 1064, which would ban AI companions and other dangerous AI systems for use by minors, set up important privacy guardrails for AI systems that impact kids, and ensure families have a clear pathway for redress against any harms. The bill is sponsored by Common Sense Media, authored by Privacy Committee Chair Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, and co-authored by Appropriations Committee Chair Assemblymember Buffy Wicks.
In response, Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement:
"Common Sense Media applauds the Senate Judiciary Committee's support for safeguards on kids' AI use. We thank Chairman Umberg, Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, and Assemblymember Wicks for their leadership on AB 1064. At a moment when DC politicians are trying to tie states' hands on AI safety laws, progress on this bill could not be more important.
"At a moment when 3 in 4 teens are using social AI companions, it's critical that our laws are as sophisticated as this rapidly evolving technology. By banning dangerous AI companions for young users and establishing baseline privacy protections for AI tools used by kids, AB 1064 gives California a unique opportunity to lead on kids' AI safety.
"We look forward to the bill being heard by the Senate Appropriations Committee and seeing it signed into law this year to make a real difference in the lives of California's children and families."
More information on AB 1064 can be found here.
Another bill related to AI companions made progress yesterday with the Judiciary Committee's approval of SB 243, authored by Senator Steve Padilla. Common Sense Media supports the bill, which would establish guardrails, including greater transparency, for AI companion users of all ages.
About Common Sense Media
Common Sense Media is dedicated to improving the lives of kids and families by providing the trustworthy information, education, and independent voice they need to thrive. Our ratings, research, and resources reach more than 150 million users worldwide and 1.4 million educators every year. Learn more at commonsense.org.