Statement on California Assembly Passage of AB 2023 to Protect Children from Unsafe AI Chatbots

SAN FRANCISCO, May 27, 2026—Common Sense Media Founder and CEO James P. Steyer issued the following statement after the California State Assembly passed AB 2023 (Wicks and Bauer-Kahan), which sets child safety standards for AI companion chatbots, and sent the bill to the State Senate:

"Most teens have already used AI companion chatbots, and too many of these products are built to keep kids hooked instead of keeping them safe. Today the California Assembly said that has to stop.

"AB 2023—and its companion in the Senate, SB 1119—go after the design. They require a crisis response when a child signals self-harm. It bars the manipulative, excessively flattering replies that keep vulnerable kids talking when they need real help. They give parents real controls and limit how long a child stays locked in a conversation. And they force companies to prove their products are safe through independent audits, because these companies cannot be trusted to grade their own homework.

"Common Sense is grateful to Assemblymembers Wicks and Bauer-Kahan, to Senator Padilla for advancing a companion measure, and to the broad and committed coalition of parents, advocates, and researchers who built these protections in the open. That is how you keep kids safe. We urge the legislature to finish the job and send strong protections to the governor for his signature. California's kids deserve nothing less."

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.