As AI ‘therapists’ dish out advice, California lawmakers try to set some limits

California lawmakers are moving to rein in AI chatbots that people lean on for mental health support. Senate Bill 903, from state senator Steve Padilla, would bar companies from marketing chatbots as therapy and would require a licensed professional to review any AI-driven therapeutic decisions. CalMatters reports the push follows wrongful death lawsuits accusing chatbot makers of contributing to users' suicides, and it's drawn both backing from therapist groups and pushback from tech industry representatives who warn it could choke off tools that help patients reach care faster. The bill now awaits a vote in the Assembly's fiscal committee.

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