News News: 28 November 2025 - 29 November 2025

January 9, 2026, 11:48 PM EST. OpenAI and Common Sense Media backed a California ballot measure to enshrine AI safety rules for children, potentially in the state constitution. The move follows SB 243, the AI-chatbot safety bill Gov. Newsom signed last year, but backers want constitutional language to raise the bar for future updates. Sen. Steve Padilla warned the constitution approach could hinder revisions. Steyer stressed strategy is secondary to getting child safety regulations on the books. Common Sense Media has recently backed various online child-protection bills, including warning labels and age verification mandates, arguing the current risk to youth mental health demands action. Lehane labeled AI as an empowerment tool, while urging parental control. Backers still must gather signatures to qualify for the November ballot, with the effort likely to start next month.