Sacramento, CA, Sept. 1, 2026: Artificial intelligence. Chatbots. Data privacy. Pricing. California lawmakers spent 2026 considering major technology proposals with potential implications for travel technology companies — and what happens in Sacramento rarely stays in Sacramento.
The California Legislature concluded its 2026 session on August 31, sending legislation to Governor Gavin Newsom, who has until September 30 to sign or veto bills.
For travel technology companies, the challenge isn’t simply keeping track of legislation. It’s understanding which proposals matter, what they could mean for your business, and what may be coming next. California is often an early mover on technology regulation, with ideas introduced there quickly spreading to other states.
That’s where Travel Tech comes in.
“Public policy is increasingly shaping the business environment for travel technology companies,” said Laura Chadwick, President & CEO of Travel Tech. “Our job is to help members see around the corner — identifying emerging issues early, explaining what they mean for travel, and ensuring our members and industry is represented when policymakers are making decisions.”
Among the California proposals Travel Tech tracked and analyzed this year:
AI & Chatbots — AB 1609: The bill would establish new customer-service and chatbot requirements for large businesses, including requirements governing when consumers must be connected to human agents. The implications extend beyond travel platforms themselves to companies providing chatbot and AI-powered customer-service solutions to the travel industry. Travel Tech opposed the legislation and is continuing to urge Governor Newsom to veto it as part of a broader industry coalition.
Data Privacy — SB 923 & AB 1542: Travel Tech monitored proposals that would expand consumer deletion rights and impose additional restrictions involving sensitive personal information — part of the increasingly complex patchwork of state privacy requirements technology companies must navigate.
Surveillance Pricing — AB 2564: Travel Tech also closely analyzed California’s surveillance-pricing legislation. Importantly for travel companies, our analysis concluded that the bill does not extend to travel pricing because its operative provisions focus on tangible personal goods.
For Travel Tech members, this is the value of staying ahead of public policy: knowing what matters, understanding what it means for your business, and preparing for what comes next.
Through Travel Tech’s State Policy Intelligence Brief (SPIB), members get regular analysis of emerging state policy threats and trends affecting travel technology — helping companies cut through the noise, understand what matters for their business, and prepare for what’s coming next.
Learn more about our Growth Stage and Enterprise Membership options.
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Travel Tech Association (Travel Tech) is the unified voice for the travel technology ecosystem. Travel Tech brings together enterprise leaders, growth-stage companies, and emerging innovators to advance public policies that support competition, innovation, and a strong technology-enabled travel marketplace. Through advocacy, regulatory intelligence, and cross-sector collaboration, Travel Tech helps shape the future of modern travel.
To schedule an interview with a Travel Tech spokesperson, contact Jessica Matthias: jmatthias@belverapartners.com.
