California Governor Newsom Vetoes AI-Powered Therapy Bill

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he has vetoed Senate Bill 903, which would have placed limitations on the use of artificial intelligence in therapy and prohibited the advertising of therapy services offered through chatbots.

Scope and Objectives of the Bill

Senate Bill 903 aimed to prohibit a therapist from using artificial intelligence tools to evaluate a person's emotional state or make decisions without the review and approval of a licensed individual.

At the same time, the bill sought to prevent the advertising of therapy services provided through chatbots.

Governor Newsom's Reason for Veto

In his veto message, Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the bill was overly broad, noting that this would significantly restrict clinicians from utilizing tools that benefit the delivery of care.

Political and Institutional Reactions

While State Senator Steve Padilla, the author of the bill, expressed disappointment with the decision, the bill had previously passed the Senate unanimously.

The legislation had received strong support from groups such as the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and the National Union of Healthcare Workers, while facing opposition from tech groups, businesses, and major medical organizations like the California Hospital Association.