California’s Democratic-led Legislature is wrapping up a broad anti-tech package, approving more than 20 bills aimed at curbing AI use and strengthening social media protections for minors as the session ends.

Lawmakers advanced measures designed to set nationwide standards for child safety online, with Governor Newsom having until the end of the month to sign or veto the bills.

Senate Bill 867 would ban the sale and manufacture of toys for children under 16 that include a companion chatbot for four years and would allow lawsuits for violations.

Other proposals would bar employers from AI surveillance that reads neural data to gauge emotions and would ban certain “surveillance pricing” practices by retailers.

Some bills address AI in healthcare, mandating licensed professionals provide therapy and prohibiting therapy chatbots from delivering such services.

Assembly Bill 2246 would require platforms used by children to implement safeguards against content that could psychologically, emotionally, or physically harm minors, with enforcement by the attorney general and prosecutors.

Assembly Bill 1709 would create child-friendly social media for under-16 users, banning personalized feeds and autoplayed videos and establishing an advisory commission, with civil penalties and lawsuits possible.

Other approved measures include a ban on law enforcement use of electric shock gloves, parole reforms for older inmates, and new rules on police mask use.

A CSU-wide rule would require all instructors to be human, permit AI only as a tool, and ban AI-generated deception in teaching.

New measures clarify how medical confidentiality laws apply to providers using AI and chatbots.

Governor Newsom has signaled a shift toward AI oversight, complementing executive orders and laws that move him away from his traditional tech-friendly stance.

Tech firms, including OpenAI’s leadership, have lobbied Newsom, urging caution or changes to the proposed AI measures.