Leading Ethical AI Development (LEAD) for Kids Act.

Legislative status

1. Introduced
2. In Committee
3. Reported by Committee
4. Floor Vote Scheduled
5. Passed One Chamber
6. Passed Both Chambers
7. Vetoed
8. Signed into Law

Summary

The bill bars companies, agencies, or other operators from offering AI companion chatbots to anyone under 18 unless the bot cannot encourage self‑harm, violence, substance use, sexual content, or other dangerous behavior. It defines key terms, creates a $25,000 civil penalty per violation, and lets harmed children or their guardians sue for damages. The measure was passed by the California legislature but was vetoed by the governor.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

Vote

Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 59. Noes 12. Page 1935.) · Jun 2, 2025

Hearings

• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · Aug 29, 2025
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · Aug 18, 2025
• Judiciary Committee Hearing
  Judiciary · Jul 15, 2025
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · May 23, 2025
• Appropriations Committee Hearing
  Appropriations · May 14, 2025

History

1. Jan 22, 2026Consideration of Governor's veto stricken from file.
2. Oct 13, 2025Vetoed by Governor.
3. Oct 13, 2025Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
4. Sep 23, 2025Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 4 p.m.
5. Sep 11, 2025Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 60. Noes 8. Page 3334.).
6. Sep 10, 2025Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 31. Noes 6. Page 2800.).
7. Sep 10, 2025In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
8. Sep 8, 2025Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
9. Sep 5, 2025Read third time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
10. Sep 2, 2025Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
11. Aug 29, 2025Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.
12. Aug 29, 2025From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (August 29).

The 12 most recent of 34 recorded actions.

Sponsors

• Bauer-Kahan · sponsor
• Pellerin

Bill text

Opens the legislature’s own copy.

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Topics

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