AB-2 • 2026

Injuries to children: civil penalties.

Children

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Lowenthal (A) , Patterson
Last action: 2025-07-14
Official status: In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details about the exact damages or penalties, nor does it define 'ordinary care' for social media platforms.

Civil Penalties for Social Media Platforms Causing Child Injuries

This law makes social media platforms liable for damages if they fail to exercise ordinary care and cause injury to children.

What This Bill Does

Makes social media companies liable for specified damages caused to children due to their failure to exercise ordinary care or skill.

Who It Names or Affects

Social media platforms
Children who are harmed by these platforms

Terms To Know

Civil penalties: Money fines or other legal consequences for breaking a rule or law.
Ordinary care: The usual level of caution and attention that a reasonable person would use in similar situations.

Limits and Unknowns

Does not specify the exact damages or penalties.
It is unclear how this law will be enforced or by whom.

Bill History

2025-07-14 California Legislative Information
In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.
2025-06-30 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, second hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
2025-06-23 California Legislative Information
In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.
2025-05-21 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on JUD. and APPR.
2025-05-13 California Legislative Information
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
2025-05-12 California Legislative Information
Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 66. Noes 0. Page 1507.)
2025-04-09 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
2025-04-08 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 8).
2025-04-08 California Legislative Information
Coauthors revised.
2025-04-07 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on JUD.
2025-04-03 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended.
2025-04-02 California Legislative Information
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on JUD. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 1).
2025-03-18 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on P. & C.P.
2025-03-17 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on P. & C.P. Read second time and amended.
2025-03-17 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on P. & C.P. and JUD.
2024-12-03 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee January 2.
2024-12-02 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2, as amended, Lowenthal.
Injuries to children: civil penalties.
Existing law provides that everyone is responsible not only for the result of their willful
acts,
acts
but also for an injury occasioned to another by their want of ordinary care or skill in the management of their property or person.
This bill would make a social media platform, as defined, liable for specified damages
in addition to any other remedy provided by law,
if the
social media
platform fails to exercise ordinary care or skill
toward a
by causing injury to a
child.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF