Key point: The New Jersey legislature passed data broker, kids’ privacy, and surveillance pricing bills, while the California legislature advanced 15 bills out of committee.
This is our 25th update on proposed state privacy and AI legislation in 2026.
What’s New
New Jersey’s legislature made the biggest news last week, passing three bills, one of which Governor Mikie Sherrill has already signed into law: a broad, costly data broker registration bill covering not just data brokers but also “data collectors” – entities with a direct relationship to consumers who sell that data to brokers. The law imposes a steep registration fee (as high as $1.5 million for the largest data brokers and collectors) and significant fines for noncompliance. It also bans the sale of sensitive data. Read our full analysis of the law here.
New Jersey lawmakers also passed the Kids Code Act (which contains a private right of action with statutory damages) and a bill banning surveillance pricing for groceries.
In other news, the California legislature advanced 15 bills out of committee last week before beginning a month-long summer recess. It will reconvene on August 3 and close for the year on August 31.
The post below covers those bills in more detail, along with all other bill movements from last week.
Privacy Updates
Consumer Data Privacy
The New Jersey legislature passed A 5328, which amends the state’s consumer data privacy law to prohibit the sale of sensitive data. That provision applies to all individuals and legal entities, no matter how many consumers’ data they control or process.
Kids’ Privacy
New Jersey lawmakers passed the state’s Kids Code Act (A 4015), which includes a private right of action with statutory damages.
California’s AB 1709 (covered platforms: age restriction: e-Safety Advisory Commission) and AB 2246 (AADC) passed out of the Senate Judiciary committee and moved to the Appropriations committee.
Data Broker
The New Jersey legislature passed A 5328, which creates a new data broker registration law.
California’s AB 883 (data brokers) passed out of the Senate Judiciary committee and moved to the Appropriations committee. The bill amends California’s data broker law to reduce the 45-day time frame to 30 days and add provisions regarding elected officials and judges.
Other
California’s SB 690 (Invasion of Privacy Act amendment) passed out of the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection committee with amendments. The same committee also passed SB 354 (Insurance Information and Privacy Protection Act). Both bills are now with the Assembly Appropriations committee.
AI Updates
Chatbot
California’s SB 300 (companion chatbots) and SB 1119 (companion chatbots: children’s safety) passed out of the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection committee and moved to the Appropriations committee. AB 1609 (customer service chatbots) passed out of the Senate Judiciary committee and moved to the Appropriations committee.
In Pennsylvania, HB 2006 (AI companionship applications) passed out of the House Rules committee.
Pricing
The New Jersey legislature passed the Fair Price Protection Act (A 4085), which bans surveillance pricing for groceries.
Provenance / Disclosures
California’s SB 1000 (amends California AI Transparency Act) passed out of committee and is now on a third floor reading. AB 412 (GenAI: training data) passed out of the Senate Judiciary committee and moved to the Appropriations committee.
Employment
California’s SB 947 (automated decision systems) passed out of the Assembly Judiciary committee, received its second reading, and moved to the Appropriations committee. AB 1883 (workplace surveillance tools) passed out of the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement committee and moved to the Appropriations committee.
Health
In California, SB 903 (mental health professionals: AI) passed out of the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection committee, AB 2575 (health care services: AI) passed out of the Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection committee, and AB 1979 (health care services: AI) passed out of the Senate Health committee. The bills are now with Appropriations committees.