WHAT THIS BILL REGULATES · 1 REQUIREMENT TYPE
How Is This Bill Enforced
Verbatim statutory text on the left; plain-language analysis and a per-section checklist on the right. Numbered markers cross-link to the matching checklist row.
(a)–(e) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) Moments of suicidal ideation or violent intent are often characterized by acute emotional distress, cognitive narrowing, rumination, and hyperfocus rather than sustained or fixed intent. (b) Crisis counseling research demonstrates that interrupting rumination and introducing time-based pauses can reduce emotional intensity and impulsivity. (c) The majority of crisis hotline engagements, including calls to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, are brief, nonclinical, and focused on deescalation, grounding, and connection to support. (d) Companion chatbotsCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) are not substitutes for human crisis intervention and are not suitable to perform diagnosis, crisis counseling, or risk assessment. (e) A structured pause in companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) engagement is a proportional safety intervention tool that encourages human connection and supports public safety while reducing foreseeable harm.
Section 1 sets out the Legislature's findings grounding the bill's crisis interruption pause mechanism. The findings establish that suicidal ideation and violent intent are characterized by acute emotional distress and cognitive narrowing rather than sustained intent, that time-based pauses can reduce emotional intensity and impulsivity, that crisis hotline engagements are typically brief and focused on deescalation, and that companion chatbots are not substitutes for human crisis intervention. These findings create no compliance obligations but provide interpretive context for the operative provisions.
(a) "Artificial intelligence systemArtificial intelligence system"Artificial intelligence system" means an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(a)" means an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments.
(b)(1)–(2) "Companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b)" means an artificial intelligence systemArtificial intelligence system"Artificial intelligence system" means an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and that can, for explicit or implicit objectives, infer from the input it receives how to generate outputs that can influence physical or virtual environments.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(a) with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. (2) "Companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b)" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.
(c) "Credible crisis expressionCredible crisis expression"Credible crisis expression" means a statement by a user of a companion chatbot that reasonably indicates, as determined through contextual analysis rather than keyword detection alone, either of the following: (1) Intent or desire to harm the user. (2) Intent or desire to harm others.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(c)" means a statement by a user of a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) that reasonably indicates, as determined through contextual analysis rather than keyword detection alone, either of the following: (1) Intent or desire to harm the user. (2) Intent or desire to harm others.
(d) "Crisis interruption pauseCrisis interruption pause"Crisis interruption pause" means a temporary suspension of conversational output designed to disrupt rumination and encourage human support engagement during which a companion chatbot does all of the following: (1) Refrains from generating further conversational responses. (2) Displays to the user a message stating all of the following: (A) The pause is intended to interrupt rumination and reduce emotional intensity. (B) Many people feel relief after a short conversation with a trained crisis counselor. (C) Reaching out during this pause may help the user feel less alone and more grounded. (3) Prominently displays 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline contact options, including immediate access links if technically feasible.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(d)" means a temporary suspension of conversational output designed to disrupt rumination and encourage human support engagement during which a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) does all of the following: (1) Refrains from generating further conversational responses. (2) Displays to the user a message stating all of the following: (A) The pause is intended to interrupt rumination and reduce emotional intensity. (B) Many people feel relief after a short conversation with a trained crisis counselor. (C) Reaching out during this pause may help the user feel less alone and more grounded. (3) Prominently displays 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline contact options, including immediate access links if technically feasible.
(e) "Graduated responseGraduated response"Graduated response" means a multistep intervention that escalates only after an initial supportive warning.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(e)" means a multistep intervention that escalates only after an initial supportive warning.
(f) "OperatorOperator"Operator" means a person that makes a companion chatbot available in this state.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(f)" means a person that makes a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) available in this state.
Section 22587.1 defines the key terms for the chapter, including companion chatbot (with the same carve-outs as SB 243 for customer service bots, limited video game bots, and standalone voice assistants), credible crisis expression (requiring contextual analysis rather than keyword detection alone), crisis interruption pause (defined as a temporary suspension with specific required messaging and 988 Lifeline display), graduated response, and operator. These definitions are critical because the credible crisis expression definition explicitly mandates contextual analysis rather than keyword detection, setting a floor for the detection methodology operators must deploy.
(a)(1)–(4) 1 Notwithstanding any law, if a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) detects a credible crisis expressionCredible crisis expression"Credible crisis expression" means a statement by a user of a companion chatbot that reasonably indicates, as determined through contextual analysis rather than keyword detection alone, either of the following: (1) Intent or desire to harm the user. (2) Intent or desire to harm others.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(c), the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) shall do all of the following without immediately terminating the interaction with the user: (1) Acknowledge the user's distress in nonjudgmental language. (2) Encourage the user to seek immediate human support. (3) Provide contact information for the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, including call, text, and chat options. (4) Inform the user that a temporary pause may occur to allow space for deescalation and human connection.
(b) 2 Notwithstanding any law, if a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) detects that a user is reaffirming or escalating the credible crisis expressionCredible crisis expression"Credible crisis expression" means a statement by a user of a companion chatbot that reasonably indicates, as determined through contextual analysis rather than keyword detection alone, either of the following: (1) Intent or desire to harm the user. (2) Intent or desire to harm others.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(c) or detects a subsequent credible crisis expressionCredible crisis expression"Credible crisis expression" means a statement by a user of a companion chatbot that reasonably indicates, as determined through contextual analysis rather than keyword detection alone, either of the following: (1) Intent or desire to harm the user. (2) Intent or desire to harm others.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(c) after the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) has complied with subdivision (a), the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) shall initiate a crisis interruption pauseCrisis interruption pause"Crisis interruption pause" means a temporary suspension of conversational output designed to disrupt rumination and encourage human support engagement during which a companion chatbot does all of the following: (1) Refrains from generating further conversational responses. (2) Displays to the user a message stating all of the following: (A) The pause is intended to interrupt rumination and reduce emotional intensity. (B) Many people feel relief after a short conversation with a trained crisis counselor. (C) Reaching out during this pause may help the user feel less alone and more grounded. (3) Prominently displays 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline contact options, including immediate access links if technically feasible.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(d) of 20 minutes.
(c)(1)–(2) 3 Notwithstanding any law, a companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) shall not do either of the following: (1) Describe a crisis interruption pauseCrisis interruption pause"Crisis interruption pause" means a temporary suspension of conversational output designed to disrupt rumination and encourage human support engagement during which a companion chatbot does all of the following: (1) Refrains from generating further conversational responses. (2) Displays to the user a message stating all of the following: (A) The pause is intended to interrupt rumination and reduce emotional intensity. (B) Many people feel relief after a short conversation with a trained crisis counselor. (C) Reaching out during this pause may help the user feel less alone and more grounded. (3) Prominently displays 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline contact options, including immediate access links if technically feasible.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(d) as a punishment, violation, or enforcement action. (2) Diagnose, label, or assess risk levels of a user.
(d) 1 An operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that makes a companion chatbot available in this state.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(f) shall ensure that any companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) it makes available in this state is compliant with this section.
Section 22587.2 establishes the bill's core operative requirements: a two-step graduated crisis response system. Upon detecting a credible crisis expression, the companion chatbot must immediately acknowledge the user's distress, encourage human support, provide 988 Lifeline contact information, and warn the user that a temporary pause may occur — all without terminating the interaction. If the user then reaffirms, escalates, or expresses a subsequent credible crisis expression, the chatbot must initiate a mandatory 20-minute crisis interruption pause as defined in § 22587.1(d).
Subsection (c) imposes prohibitions on how the chatbot characterizes the pause or interacts with the user during a crisis: the chatbot may not describe the pause as a punishment, violation, or enforcement action, and may not diagnose, label, or assess the user's risk level. Subsection (d) places the compliance obligation squarely on the operator, requiring the operator to ensure any companion chatbot it makes available in California complies with these requirements.
(a)(1)–(3) 4 An operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that makes a companion chatbot available in this state.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(f) shall document all of the following with respect to any companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b) that the operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that makes a companion chatbot available in this state.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(f) makes available in this state: (1) The existence of a graduated responseGraduated response"Graduated response" means a multistep intervention that escalates only after an initial supportive warning.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(e) system. (2) All credible crisis expressionsCredible crisis expression"Credible crisis expression" means a statement by a user of a companion chatbot that reasonably indicates, as determined through contextual analysis rather than keyword detection alone, either of the following: (1) Intent or desire to harm the user. (2) Intent or desire to harm others.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(c) detected by the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b). (3) The duration and conditions of a crisis interruption pauseCrisis interruption pause"Crisis interruption pause" means a temporary suspension of conversational output designed to disrupt rumination and encourage human support engagement during which a companion chatbot does all of the following: (1) Refrains from generating further conversational responses. (2) Displays to the user a message stating all of the following: (A) The pause is intended to interrupt rumination and reduce emotional intensity. (B) Many people feel relief after a short conversation with a trained crisis counselor. (C) Reaching out during this pause may help the user feel less alone and more grounded. (3) Prominently displays 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline contact options, including immediate access links if technically feasible.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(d) initiated by the companion chatbotCompanion chatbot"Companion chatbot" means an artificial intelligence system with a natural language interface that provides adaptive, humanlike responses to user inputs and is capable of meeting a user's social needs, including by exhibiting anthropomorphic features and being able to sustain a relationship across multiple interactions. "Companion chatbot" does not include any of the following: (A) A bot that is used only for customer service, a business' operational purposes, productivity and analysis related to source information, internal research, or technical assistance. (B) A bot that is a feature of a video game and is limited to replies related to the video game that cannot discuss topics related to mental health, self-harm, sexually explicit conduct, or maintain a dialogue on other topics unrelated to the video game. (C) A stand-alone consumer electronic device that functions as a speaker and voice command interface, acts as a voice-activated virtual assistant, and does not sustain a relationship across multiple interactions or generate outputs that are likely to elicit emotional responses in the user.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(b).
(b) 5 Beginning January 1, 2028, an operatorOperator"Operator" means a person that makes a companion chatbot available in this state.Bus. & Prof. Code § 22587.1(f) shall annually report to the Office of Suicide Prevention the items set forth in subdivision (a) with respect to the previous calendar year.
Section 22587.3 imposes two distinct obligations on operators. First, an ongoing documentation requirement: operators must document the existence of their graduated response system, all detected credible crisis expressions, and the duration and conditions of each crisis interruption pause. Second, beginning January 1, 2028, operators must annually report this documented information to the Office of Suicide Prevention. The reporting obligation covers the previous calendar year's data.
The documentation requirement is immediate upon the chapter's operative date, while the annual reporting obligation has a delayed start date of January 1, 2028.