S 9051 New York Senate · 2025 Regular Session

Prohibits artificial intelligence companions from using features which are considered unsafe for minors

Summary

Prohibits artificial intelligence companions from using features which are considered unsafe for minors; defines terms; specifies what are considered unsafe features.

Issues: ✓ Technology

Bill status passed both 4 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Jun 2026

Senate Passage

Jun 2026

Assembly Passage

Jun 2026

Governor

Introduced Jan 27, 2026 Last action Jun 5, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

S9051A → S9051B · 6 edits

MODERATE

The bill was renumbered from version A to version B and amended to broaden its scope from regulating only 'chatbots' to regulating 'AI companions.' This change updates the terminology throughout the legislation to align with a wider definition of artificial intelligence systems that simulate relationships, ensuring the law covers a broader range of potentially unsafe technologies used by minors.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from specifically targeting 'advanced chatbots' to including 'AI companions,' thereby covering a wider array of generative AI systems that interact with users in a companion-like manner.

DEFINITION

The term 'Advanced chatbot' was replaced with 'Covered AI companion' to reflect a broader regulatory scope.

The term 'Chatbot developer' was replaced with 'Operator' to align with the new terminology.

The term 'Chatbot operator' was replaced with 'Operator' to match the updated scope.

The term 'Unsafe chatbot features' was replaced with 'Unsafe AI companion features' to ensure consistency with the new subject matter.

New definitions were added for 'Artificial intelligence,' 'AI model,' and 'Generative artificial intelligence' to establish a clear technical foundation for the law.

SCOPE

The title and article headings were updated from 'Chatbot' to 'AI Companion' to reflect the legislative intent of covering a broader category of AI systems.

Floor votes · Senate Jun 4, 2026 · Assembly Jun 5, 2026

How they voted

60–0

Passed · 3 other

Total votes 63

Jun 4, 2026

D Democratic41

38 Yea 3

92% Yea

R Republican22

22 Yea

100% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Jun 5, 2026

Lower · Passed

PASSED ASSEMBLY

lower

Jun 4, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS

lower

Jun 4, 2026

Upper · Passed

PASSED SENATE

upper

Jun 1, 2026

Upper · Passed

AMENDED ON THIRD READING (T) 9051B

upper

May 11, 2026

Upper · Passed

AMENDED ON THIRD READING 9051A

upper

Feb 25, 2026

Committee

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE

upper

Jan 27, 2026

Committee

REFERRED TO INTERNET AND TECHNOLOGY

upper

1 primary · 14 co-sponsors