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Senate approves LEAD for Kids Act to restrict certain child-facing AI chatbots after debate on research exceptions
Summary
The Senate voted to approve AB 10 64, a bill aimed at limiting children’s use of so-called companion AI chatbots that simulate human relationships, amid debate about research and education exemptions; final roll call was 31 ayes, 6 no.
The California Senate on Wednesday approved AB 10 64, the LEAD for Kids Act, which aims to restrict the use of “companion” artificial-intelligence chatbots that pose as humanlike friends or emotional supports for children. The bill passed by a recorded vote: 31 in favor, 6 opposed.
Senators in support argued the technology presents a unique and immediate danger to minors. Senator Ashby, the bill’s floor manager, described companion chatbots as systems that can “simulate a human personality” and engage children in prolonged conversations that may be inappropriate or harmful. Ashby cited a Wall Street Journal investigation showing that some companion bots were willing to engage in harmful or explicit conversations when prompted and noted reported instances of harm and death linked to problematic chatbot interactions.
Senator Padilla urged colleagues to act quickly to protect children, saying the state missed a window with social media and must not allow a similar gap with powerful AI systems. Senator McNerney also supported the bill, emphasizing that large AI models draw on the full breadth of human content and can therefore produce unpredictable, sometimes dangerous guidance for young people.
Opponents raised narrower concerns. Senator Grayson and others said the measure could unintentionally hamper university research and legitimate educational uses of AI by minors. Senator Grayson had pre-existing concerns about a research/data exemption; the floor manager said the bill’s language had been narrowed and that a related assembly measure would address research uses. Senator Trabulsy said she would not support this particular bill because of remaining research exemptions issues but signaled willingness to support separate legislation.
Supporters said the bill does not ban children from using AI tools for research or homework; rather, it requires guardrails so children cannot be misled into believing they are interacting with a real person in contexts that could encourage self-harm or other dangerous behavior. The bill’s proponents said it creates disclosure and safety obligations for providers of companion chatbots and preserves channels for educational and supervised research.
Outcome and next steps: AB 10 64 passed the Senate by recorded vote, 31–6. Sponsors said they would work with researchers and university stakeholders to ensure legitimate academic work can proceed under appropriate safeguards. The bill heads to the Assembly for concurrence on any amendments and then to the governor.
