Asm. Gail Pellerin

Existing law requires, among other things related to ensuring the safety of companion chatbots, an operator to prevent a companion chatbot on its companion chatbot platform from engaging with users unless the operator maintains a protocol for preventing the production of suicidal ideation, suicide, or self-harm content to the user, as specified. This bill, the Preventing AI User Self Endangerment (PAUSE) Act, would require an operator to adopt and make publicly available a policy governing its protocol for identifying and responding to credible crisis expressions and, for each companion chatbot an operator makes available to users in this state, implement a system for monitoring and detecting credible crisis expressions in user conversations with companion chatbots. The bill would require, if the monitoring system detects a credible crisis expression, the operator to take certain actions, including commence a crisis interruption pause, as specified. The bill would define "credible crisis expression" to mean a statement by a user of a companion chatbot that reasonably indicates, as determined through contextual analysis rather than keyword detection alone, intent to harm the user or others. This bill would require an operator of a companion chatbot to document certain information related to credible crisis expressions and crisis interruption pauses and, beginning January 1, 2028, annually report that information to the Office of Suicide Prevention. The bill would provide for its enforcement, as specified.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Behavioral Health Awareness Month in California. It directs state agencies to acknowledge this month, likely through proclamations or public awareness campaigns. The measure does not change funding, laws, or services but serves to highlight the importance of mental and behavioral health.

This measure would proclaim the month of October 2026 as Italian American Heritage Month, and, among other things, encourage all citizens, schools, public institutions, and community organizations in California to observe Italian American Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and educational programs, as specified.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 4 to May 10, 2026, as California Wildflower Week to celebrate the state's diverse native flora and its ecological importance. The resolution encourages all Californians to appreciate the beauty of wildflowers, which support pollinators and healthy ecosystems, and highlights the recent opening of Dos Rios State Park as a model for conservation. By formally recognizing this period, the Assembly aims to foster public engagement with outdoor recreation and environmental preservation without imposing new regulations or costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes July 19 through July 25, 2026, as Probation Services Week to honor the work of California's probation professionals. It directly affects probation officers and the public by formally recognizing their role in balancing accountability with rehabilitation within the justice system. The resolution highlights the extensive training and diverse background of these workers while celebrating their efforts to connect individuals with essential services like mental health care and education. Ultimately, the measure serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of the probation system's contribution to community safety and successful reentry rather than enacting new operational rules.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution officially designates the week of July 17 to July 26, 2026, as California Craft Beer Week to celebrate the state's brewing heritage. The bill highlights the industry's significant economic impact, noting that it supports nearly 1,000 breweries and approximately 46,700 jobs across the state. By proclaiming this specific time frame, the resolution aims to recognize the contributions of craft brewers to California's economy and community life.

Maddy summarySCR 112 designates January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month within the state. This symbolic resolution, adopted unanimously by the Senate on January 29, 2026, does not create new laws or alter existing policies. It formally recognizes the month for public awareness purposes but has no direct effect on individuals, programs, or legal obligations. The measure serves solely to acknowledge and promote awareness of human trafficking issues during that time period.

The Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, administered by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, regulates the sale and distribution of alcoholic beverages and the granting of licenses for the manufacture, distribution, and sale of alcoholic beverages within the state. A violation of the act is generally a misdemeanor. The act imposes specified labeling requirements for containers of alcoholic beverages sold within this state, including prescribed requirements for the use of appellations from specified geographic regions in California. The act generally provides that these labeling requirements do not preclude the use of a label containing a truthful, nonmisleading appellation of origin or geographic description that complies with federal appellation law, except as specified. Existing federal law authorizes the use of the appellation "American" if at least 75% of the wine is derived from fruit or agricultural products grown in the United States, as specified. This bill, notwithstanding the above-described provisions and for wine bottled on or after July 1, 2027, would prohibit the use of the appellation "American" or "United States" on wine produced, bottled, labeled, offered for sale, or sold in California unless 100% of the wine is derived from grapes or agricultural products grown in the United States, as specified. The bill would authorize the department to seize any wine in California that is labeled or packaged in violation of this prohibition and would make related findings and declarations. By expanding the scope of an existing crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution officially designates June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in California. The measure serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of the community's contributions to society and highlights historical milestones, such as recent Supreme Court rulings on marriage equality and the appointment of openly LGBTQ+ officials to federal cabinet positions. By recognizing these achievements, the resolution aims to promote awareness and celebrate the progress made toward equality and inclusion within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026, as Compost Awareness Week. It affects the general public and organizations by officially recognizing this specific time period for promoting composting. The measure is a commemorative resolution that does not create new laws or change existing regulations. Instead, it serves to raise awareness about composting through an official state declaration.