CA SB 867
California Senate Bill 867 - AI Chatbot Toy Moratorium Act
Proposes a 4-year moratorium on the sale and manufacturing of toys with AI chatbot capabilities for children under 12. During the moratorium, a task force would develop safety standards with input from technologists, parents, and ethicists.
Jurisdiction
California
Enacted
Pending
Effective
TBD
Enforcement
To be determined (likely California Attorney General)
Introduced January 5, 2026. Must pass Senate Rules Committee and policy committees before full vote.
Senator Steve Padilla Official AnnouncementWhy It Matters
This is the first-in-the-nation attempt to regulate AI chatbots embedded in children's toys. It directly addresses concerns about adaptive AI systems that record and analyze children's voices and behaviors. The 4-year moratorium provides time to develop safety standards while protecting children from potentially harmful AI interactions through toys.
Recent Developments
Introduced January 5, 2026 by Senator Steve Padilla. Expected to face legal challenges on First Amendment grounds from organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).
At a Glance
Applies to
Harms addressed
Requires
Who Must Comply
- Toy manufacturers operating in California
- Toy retailers selling in California
- Products defined as toys designed for children 12 years or younger with AI chatbot functionality
Obligations fall on:
Applicability thresholds:
Safety Provisions
- Bans sale and manufacturing of AI chatbot toys for children under 12 for 4 years
- Establishes task force to develop safety standards during moratorium period
- Requires multi-stakeholder input (technologists, parents, ethicists) for standard development
- Addresses adaptive AI that records and analyzes children's voice and behavioral patterns
Compliance & Enforcement
Key Dates
Jan 1, 2031
Moratorium would end; safety standards would take effect
Penalties
To be determined in final bill text
View on map
California
Focus Areas
Cite This
APA
California. (n.d.). California Senate Bill 867 - AI Chatbot Toy Moratorium Act.
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Last updated February 4, 2026. Verify against primary sources before relying on this information.