California's Adam's Law Sets July 2027 Deadline for Child-Facing Chatbots

Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 1119, known as "Adam's Law," on September 10, 2026, as Chapter 190 of the Statutes of 2026. Starting July 1, 2027, operators of companion chatbots must verify user age, run documented risk assessments, apply child-safe defaults and crisis-response protocols. Penalties reach $15,000 per affected child for intentional violations.

• Signed September 10, 2026, as Chapter 190 of the Statutes of 2026
• From July 1, 2027: risk assessments and child-safe defaults required
• Child limits: one-hour sessions, two hours daily, memory off by default
• Fines up to $5,000 negligent and $15,000 intentional per child