All bills
California|SB903

Mental health professionals: artificial intelligence.

Chamber 1

Summary

This California bill establishes requirements for how licensed mental health professionals can use artificial intelligence in therapy and psychotherapy services. It prohibits unlicensed individuals or AI systems from offering therapy to the public, requires patient consent and written notice before AI is used to record or transcribe therapy sessions, and prevents AI from making independent therapeutic decisions, directly interacting with clients, or generating treatment plans without professional review. The Department of Consumer Affairs is authorized to investigate violations and impose civil penalties up to $10,000 per violation.

Sponsor

DSteve Padilla

Last action

In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.

May 20, 2026

Topics

Consumer ProtectionAI Safety & Risk ManagementHealthcare AI

Legislative history

May 20, 2026A

In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.

May 19, 2026S

Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly.

May 14, 2026S

From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (May 14).

May 14, 2026S

Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

May 8, 2026S

Set for hearing May 14.

May 4, 2026S

May 4 hearing: Placed on APPR. suspense file.

Apr 24, 2026S

Set for hearing May 4.

Apr 21, 2026S

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 8. Noes 0.) (April 20). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

Apr 13, 2026S

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on P., D.T., & C.P. (Ayes 11. Noes 0. Page 3840.) (April 13). Re-referred to Com. on P., D.T., & C.P.

Apr 10, 2026S

Set for hearing April 20 in P., D.T., & C.P. pending receipt.

Apr 8, 2026S

Set for hearing April 13.

Apr 7, 2026S

From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on B. P. & E.D.

Feb 18, 2026S

Referred to Coms. on B. P. & E.D. and P., D.T., & C.P.

Jan 22, 2026S

From printer. May be acted upon on or after February 21.

Jan 21, 2026S

Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.