California Lawmakers Pass AI and Immigration Bills

The California State Legislature concluded its legislative session on September 2, 2026, passing a diverse package of bills that Governor Gavin Newsom must sign or veto by the end of the month.

Technology regulations include SB 1119, known as Adam's Law, which mandates risk assessments and age verification for companion AI chatbots. Additionally, AB 1709 bans addictive social media features for children under the age of 16.

Legislators also targeted federal immigration operations. AB 1633 proposes taxes on private detention center operators, while AB 2760 bans law enforcement from using electric shock gloves. The latter follows a previous declaration by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that such state bans are unconstitutional.

Environmental measures aim to block new offshore oil drilling and obstruct the construction of a coal export terminal in Oakland. The session also produced social welfare legislation, including SB 577, which amends the statute of limitations for childhood sexual assault claims, and SB 991, which increases transparency regarding abuse in senior care facilities.