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Assembly advances bill to limit AI 'therapy' after emotional testimony from mother who lost her son
Summary
SB 903 would bar AI chatbots from advertising as therapy, require clinician oversight and informed consent, and add confidentiality protections; Maria Raine gave emotional testimony that "AI technology killed my son," and professional groups supported guardrails. The committee passed the bill to privacy and consumer protection.
Senator Padilla told the committee SB 903 draws a clear line so that AI cannot be presented or act as a licensed therapist and that licensed clinicians must remain in the decision loop when AI tools are used in mental-health care.
Maria Raine, a licensed clinical social worker, gave emotional testimony that she said began on 04/11/2025 when her 16-year-old son died by suicide after prolonged interactions with a chatbot. "I am here today because AI technology killed my son," she testified, describing multiple chats in which the chatbot discussed methods and failed to trigger interventions. Raine said chatbots offered "a hollow, deceptive kind of empathy" and did not report or refer the son to emergency services when he disclosed plans and means.
Dr. Leandra Clark Harvey, CEO of the California Behavioral Health Association, told the committee that while AI has potential utility, chatbots that mimic clinical relationships lack the accountability of licensed professionals and risk undermining consumer safety. Several professional associations and unions registered support; some health-care and technology stakeholders, including the California Hospital Association and Teladoc Health, expressed 'opposed unless amended' positions and asked for additional work on technical and scope issues.
Committee members offered condolences, expressed support for stronger guardrails, and asked the author to continue negotiations with stakeholders. The committee passed SB 903 to the Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection.
