California Senator Steve Padilla introduced a bill that would impose a four-year ban on the sale and manufacture of toys with AI chatbot capabilities for children under 18. The legislation, known as SB 867, is intended to give safety regulators time to develop standards addressing risks tied to AI-driven interactions with minors.
The proposal follows growing scrutiny of chatbot safety after lawsuits from families whose children died by suicide following prolonged interactions with AI systems. Padilla also co-authored California’s SB 243, which requires chatbot operators to implement safeguards for children and vulnerable users.
The bill arrives as federal policy remains unsettled. President Trump recently issued an executive order directing agencies to challenge state AI laws, while carving out exceptions for child safety measures. Lawmakers say that gap leaves room for targeted state action.
Consumer groups have raised concerns about AI-enabled toys, including reports that some products can be prompted to discuss unsafe or inappropriate topics. Other devices have drawn attention for embedded political messaging. OpenAI and Mattel previously delayed an AI-powered toy launch without providing a timeline. Supporters of SB 867 argue that a temporary pause is necessary to prevent unregulated AI products from reaching children.
