Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Toy Foundation Awards $600,000 in Grants to Bring Play Into Pediatric Care for More Than 220,000 Children
NEW YORK, March 25 -- The Toy Foundation, an arm of the Toy Association, issued the following news:
* * *
The Toy Foundation(TM) Awards $600,000 in Grants to Bring Play into Pediatric Care for More Than 220,000 Children
Grants Support 37 Children's Hospitals Nationwide Serving Under-Resourced Communities
*
The Toy Foundation(TM) (TTF), the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association(TM), will continue delivering the healing power of play to comfort children as they undergo medical treatment with its largest funding allocation to date. TTF has announced that more than $600,000 has been awarded
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, March 25 -- The Toy Foundation, an arm of the Toy Association, issued the following news:
* * *
The Toy Foundation(TM) Awards $600,000 in Grants to Bring Play into Pediatric Care for More Than 220,000 Children
Grants Support 37 Children's Hospitals Nationwide Serving Under-Resourced Communities
*
The Toy Foundation(TM) (TTF), the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association(TM), will continue delivering the healing power of play to comfort children as they undergo medical treatment with its largest funding allocation to date. TTF has announced that more than $600,000 has been awardedto 37 children's hospitals, enabling the facilities to incorporate play into day-to-day care for more than 220,000 pediatric patients. The funded play projects will include updating dedicated recreation spaces, facilitating specialized activities, and expanding sensory-friendly experiences.
Grants are being distributed through TTF's Play Fund program, the only industry-wide fundraising initiative of its kind, which has delivered the power of play to more than 825,000 pediatric patients since 2021. The proven impact of past grant distributions and the continued generosity of the toy industry have enabled TTF to expand its funding to reach more hospitals, more states, and more children over the past five years.
"The Toy Foundation's mission is to bring the power of play to children who need it most. By growing the Play Fund, we're delivering more than play; we're delivering comfort, joy, and hope to children throughout their medical journeys," said Pam Mastrota, executive director of TTF. "We are deeply grateful for every donation that allows us to fund more play projects."
Regardless of a pediatric patient's diagnosis, access to play during a hospitalization or treatment is highly therapeutic and plays a critical role in supporting their emotional well-being. Previous children's hospital grant recipients have reported that access to play enabled a calmer and normalized environment, allowed for healthier staff-patient interactions, and provided joy and comfort to improve the patient's quality of life. Learn more about the impact of the 2025 grants here.
"Funding from The Toy Foundation has helped us provide a level of comfort and support to the hospital setting," said Shelly Brown, chief development officer and executive director of Akron Children's Foundation, a 2025 and 2026 Play Fund grant recipient. "This new grant will help us expand our dedicated play spaces to offer patients, siblings, and caregivers opportunities for imaginative play and creative expression during what can be a stressful and overwhelming time."
This year's grant recipients will utilize their funding through 2027 to support approved play projects that will benefit patients in a variety of departments throughout the hospital, from the emergency room to the burn center, hematology/oncology clinic, therapy services, outpatient centers, and more.
The 2026 recipients are:
* Akron Children's Foundation, on behalf of Akron Children's - Akron, OH
* Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago - Chicago, IL
* Beacon Children's Hospital - South Bend, IN
* Blank Children's Hospital - Des Moines, IA
* Children's National Hospital - Washington, DC
* Children's Hospital Colorado - Aurora, CO
* Children's Hospital Los Angeles - Los Angeles, CA
* Children's Health Foundation - Oklahoma City, OK
* Children's of Alabama - Birmingham, AL
* Children's Specialized Hospital - Mountainside, NJ
* The Children's Specialty Hospital at The Center for Discovery - Harris, NY
* ChildServe - Johnston, IA
* CHRISTUS Children's - San Antonio, TX
* El Paso Children's Hospital Foundation - El Paso, TX
* Elizabeth Seton Children's Center - Yonkers, NY
* Grady Health System - Atlanta, GA
* Holtz Children's Hospital - Miami, FL
* Home of the Innocents' Kosair for Kids Complex Care Center - Louisville, KY
* HSHS St. John's Children's Hospital - Springfield, IL
* John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County - Chicago, IL
* Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital - St. Petersburg, FL
* Kapiolani Medical Center for Women & Children - Honolulu, HI
* Kennedy Krieger Institute - Baltimore, MD
* La Rabida Children's Hospital - Chicago, IL
* Miller Children's & Women's Hospital - Long Beach, CA
* Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital - New York, NY
* The Memorial Foundation on behalf of Children's Village - Yakima, WA
* NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital - Brooklyn, NY
* Phoenix Children's Hospital - Phoenix, AZ
* Saint Francis Children's Hospital - Tulsa, OK
* Sanford Children's Hospital Fargo - Fargo, ND
* St. Mary's Hospital for Children - Bayside, NY
* UMass Memorial Children's Medical Center - Worcester, MA
* UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA
* USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital - Mobile, AL
* Wellstar Golisano Children's Hospital of Georgia - Augusta, GA
* Wesley Children's Hospital - Wichita, KS
TTF's Play Fund connects the toy industry to vetted children's hospitals to create a greater impact delivering the healing power of play to children in need. Since the program started in 2021, TTF has awarded 117 grants to children's hospitals nationwide totaling $2.2 million in funding. TTF extends a special thank you to Mattel, Inc., a committed year-round financial supporter of the program.
For more information about TTF's Play Fund, to support the program, or to apply for a grant at the next application period, visit ToyFoundation.org or contact the team.
Follow The Toy Foundation on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for updates and to learn more about the toy industry's impact delivering play to children in need.
* * *
About The Toy Foundation(TM) toyfoundation.org
The Toy Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) children's charity and the philanthropic arm of The Toy Association. The uniting force for the collective philanthropy of the toy industry for the benefit of all children in need, The Toy Foundation is dedicated to creating a world where every child experiences the comfort, joy, and extraordinary benefits of play. The Toy Foundation works towards this vision through two program areas, Toy Chest, a toy distribution initiative, and Play Fund, a grant distribution initiative. By working together, The Toy Foundation has delivered the power of play to 36 million children in need worldwide. To learn more and support The Toy Foundation, visit toyfoundation.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.toyassociation.org/PressRoom2/News/2026-News/the-toy-foundation-awards-600000-in-grants-to-bring-play-into-pediatric-care-for-more-than-220000.aspx
[Category: Business]
Property Masters Subgroup Added, Expanding Membership Opportunites for Industry Professionals
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- The Television Academy issued the following news release on March 24, 2026:
* * *
Property Masters Subgroup Added, Expanding Membership Opportunites for Industry Professionals
The Television Academy today unveiled a new Property Masters subgroup within the Directors Peer Group for individuals who have advanced the art of storytelling through their craft as a Property Master.
For the first time, qualifying Property Masters are now eligible for either active (voting) or associate membership in the Academy. The Academy's membership committee, chaired by Jo DiSante, has
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, March 25 -- The Television Academy issued the following news release on March 24, 2026:
* * *
Property Masters Subgroup Added, Expanding Membership Opportunites for Industry Professionals
The Television Academy today unveiled a new Property Masters subgroup within the Directors Peer Group for individuals who have advanced the art of storytelling through their craft as a Property Master.
For the first time, qualifying Property Masters are now eligible for either active (voting) or associate membership in the Academy. The Academy's membership committee, chaired by Jo DiSante, hasbeen working closely with the Property Masters Guild to develop criteria for the inclusion of this community's members who have significant creative impact on the productions on which they work.
The Television Academy consists of 31 peer groups, each representing specific fields of expertise within the television industry.
Applicants must meet requirements of the new subgroup to be considered for membership, including: Employment for a minimum of two years within the last four years with screen credit as property master or assistant property master; credits on a minimum of 15 episodes of scripted drama, comedy or sketch series; or credits on five long-form programs, defined as a television movie or special running one and one-half hours or more in length.
"Property Masters are industry professionals who make significant contributions to television production," said DiSante. "We are thrilled to be able to welcome them into the Television Academy."
Membership requirements and an application for the subgroup can be found HERE.
Applications are accepted year-round. However, the deadline to apply for membership to guarantee voting eligibility for both rounds of the 78th Emmy Awards competition is April 7, 2026.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.televisionacademy.com/features/news/academy-news/260320-property-masters
[Category: Entertainment Industry]
IDSA and HIVMA Support Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen ID Workforce
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 25 -- The Infectious Diseases Society of America issued the following news release:
* * *
IDSA and HIVMA support bipartisan bill to strengthen ID workforce
Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have introduced legislation to reauthorize several health workforce programs, including the Bio-Preparedness Workforce Pilot Program. This program, once funded, will incentivize health professionals to pursue the fields of infectious diseases, HIV and emergency preparedness by offering loan repayment in exchange for service in these fields -- providing a much-needed
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 25 -- The Infectious Diseases Society of America issued the following news release:
* * *
IDSA and HIVMA support bipartisan bill to strengthen ID workforce
Sens. Jack Reed (D-RI) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) have introduced legislation to reauthorize several health workforce programs, including the Bio-Preparedness Workforce Pilot Program. This program, once funded, will incentivize health professionals to pursue the fields of infectious diseases, HIV and emergency preparedness by offering loan repayment in exchange for service in these fields -- providing a much-neededfinancial incentive to encourage individuals to pursue careers in ID.
The 2025 annual Match, in which only 45% of ID physician fellowship programs filled, demonstrates the urgent need for federal action to reduce the financial barriers that prevent many new physicians from entering ID. More ID physicians are desperately needed to support the growing numbers of complex patients with significant infection risks, including those undergoing cancer treatment, organ transplantation or other complex surgeries, and those taking certain biologics.
People with HIV who have access to experienced HIV clinicians have better outcomes and lower health care costs. More than 50% of new HIV cases occur in the South; this is also where HIV clinical workforce shortages are most acute. Loan repayment through the Bio-Preparedness Workforce Loan Repayment Program, in addition to fully funding all parts of the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, will help ensure people with HIV stay healthy, stop HIV transmission and advance the bipartisan effort to end the HIV epidemic in the United States.
IDSA and HIVMA call on Congress to swiftly reauthorize and fund this important program to ensure that all Americans can access infectious diseases and HIV health care services.
* * *
About IDSA and HIVMA
The Infectious Diseases Society of America is a global community of 13,000 clinicians, scientists and public health experts working together to solve humanity's smallest and greatest challenges, from tiny microbes to global outbreaks. Rooted in science, committed to health equity and driven by curiosity, our compassionate and knowledgeable members safeguard the health of individuals, our communities and the world by advancing the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases. Within IDSA, the HIV Medicine Association is a community of health care professionals who advance a comprehensive and humane response to the HIV pandemic, informed by science and social justice. Visit idsociety.org and hivma.org to learn more.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.idsociety.org/news--publications-new/articles/2026/idsa-and-hivma-support-bipartisan-bill-to-strengthen-id-workforce/
[Category: Medical]
CTA Urges Permanent WTO E-Commerce Customs Duty Moratorium
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 25 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following statement on March 24, 2026:
* * *
CTA Urges Permanent WTO E-Commerce Customs Duty Moratorium
Gary Shapiro, Executive Chair and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R), issued the following statement on U.S. government efforts at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to make its moratorium on e-commerce custom duties permanent.
"The U.S. government can deliver a major win for American businesses and consumers by making the WTO moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions permanent. Consumers
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 25 -- The Consumer Technology Association issued the following statement on March 24, 2026:
* * *
CTA Urges Permanent WTO E-Commerce Customs Duty Moratorium
Gary Shapiro, Executive Chair and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R), issued the following statement on U.S. government efforts at the World Trade Organization (WTO) to make its moratorium on e-commerce custom duties permanent.
"The U.S. government can deliver a major win for American businesses and consumers by making the WTO moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions permanent. Consumersincreasingly buy services digitally, often through connected devices, and from innovative startups. Keeping digital trade tariff-free ensures Americans can access the affordable, cutting-edge tools, and services they love and rely on.
As AI becomes more embedded in our everyday lives, demand for digital services will only grow. CTA's 2026 Industry Forecast projects consumers will spend nearly $200 billion in 2026 alone. That makes it even more important to limit new barriers that would raise costs and limit choice, and the Trump Administration's efforts to secure commitments from trading partners in support of a permanent moratorium is welcome and necessary.
For nearly three decades, the e-commerce moratorium has supported strong economic growth, innovation, and opportunity for startups and small businesses. Making it permanent provides the certainty businesses need and reinforces a simple principle: the digital economy works best when it remains open, consistent, and accessible."
* * *
About Consumer Technology Association (CTA)(R):
As North America's largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world's leading innovators - from startups to global brands - helping support more than 17 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES(R) - the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cta.tech/press-releases/cta-urges-permanent-wto-ecommerce-customs-duty-moratorium
[Category: Electronic Products]
CFA Institute: Gen Z and Millennial High-Net-Worth Investors Are Reshaping Wealth Advice
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, March 25 (TNSrep) -- The CFA Institute, an association of investment professionals, issued the following news release on March 24, 2026:
* * *
Gen Z and Millennial High-Net-Worth Investors Are Reshaping Wealth Advice
CFA Institute survey of investors across global markets shows strong digital engagement, demand for personalization, and evolving definitions of trust
*
CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, today released new research demonstrating how Gen Z and millennial mass-affluent, high-net-worth (HNW) and very-high-net-worth (VHNW)
... Show Full Article
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, March 25 (TNSrep) -- The CFA Institute, an association of investment professionals, issued the following news release on March 24, 2026:
* * *
Gen Z and Millennial High-Net-Worth Investors Are Reshaping Wealth Advice
CFA Institute survey of investors across global markets shows strong digital engagement, demand for personalization, and evolving definitions of trust
*
CFA Institute, the global association of investment professionals, today released new research demonstrating how Gen Z and millennial mass-affluent, high-net-worth (HNW) and very-high-net-worth (VHNW)investors are redefining the future of private wealth management.
As trillions of dollars pass to younger generations in the Great Wealth Transfer, the research titled, Next-Gen Investors: A Guide for Wealth Managers and Financial Advisers (https://rpc.cfainstitute.org/research/reports/2026/next-gen-investors?s_cid=olm-rpc-global-global-march26-x-x-b2c-SFDCDirect701WP00000zwC46YAE-PR-awareness-Professional-x-NGI-CFA-press-release-x), explores how behaviors and expectations of Gen Z and millennial investors differ from Gen X and Baby Boomer investors -- and what this means for the future of financial advice and wealth management.
Drawing on a survey of more than 2,400 mass affluent, HNW, and VHNW investors in Canada, India, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States, the research finds strong demand for advice among young investors, and offers data-supported insights for advisers and wealth managers to succeed with the next generation of wealth management clients.
Rhodri Preece, CFA, Senior Head of Research at CFA Institute, comments:
"Gen Z and millennial high-net-worth investors are reshaping private wealth management in fundamental ways. Their desire for holistic advice, product preferences, and expectations regarding the frequency and modes of communication differ meaningfully from their older peers and the models that shaped today's industry. They expect real-time access to information, frequent digital engagement, more investment options and access, and guidance that integrates life goals, behavioral discipline, and long-term investment strategies."
Genevieve Hayman, PhD, Senior Researcher, CFA Institute adds:
"Our survey data show that wealthy Gen Z and millennial investors are not turning away from professional advice, but they are redefining it. They expect active participation in financial planning and want collaborative, hybrid advice models that combine human expertise with technology-enabled personalization."
"To serve this next generation of clients, wealth management and advisory services must evolve from an interpersonal-driven model to one that can scale personalization while preserving trust. Technology, including AI, will be essential to delivering that experience."
Key Global Insights from the Survey:
* Strong Demand for Financial Advice
Over 90 percent of wealthy Gen Z and millennial investors surveyed report using some form of paid financial advice, including traditional advisers, robo-advisers, accountants, or lawyers. Gen Z investors are more likely to receive financial advice through workplace plans or robo-advisers. Millennials are most likely to use traditional advisers. Nearly 70 percent of young investors surveyed who engage a paid adviser interact with their adviser at least monthly.
* Innovation, Market Trends, and FOMO
More than half of young HNW and VHNW investors (55 percent) report making investment decisions driven by "fear of missing out" (FOMO), particularly in emerging asset classes such as cryptocurrency. They seek advisers who can contextualize new developments and be a strategic, forward-looking partner, balancing innovation with prudent advice.
* Trust is Enhanced Through Performance Measures and Data Security
"Trustworthy" and "ethical" remain the most important qualities when selecting an adviser, but what defines trust differs across generations. Young investors define trust through measurable behavior, professional competence, and digital integrity. They value transparency, credentials, and cybersecurity alongside empathy and cost clarity.
* Use of Digital Resources is Strong, but Advisers Remain the Most Trusted Source
Young investors learn from a wide range of online sources and about one-third have used generative AI for financial education. Yet human advisers remain the single-most-trusted source of investment guidance. Millennials are the most likely to access a paid professional adviser through an investment firm, wealth manager, or family office (58 percent). Millennials also show strong appetite for advisory services across both human and robo-advisory formats. Gen Z are most likely to access robo-investment advice only (43 percent).
* * *
About CFA Institute
As the global association of investment professionals, CFA Institute sets the standards for professional excellence and credentials. We champion ethical behavior in investment markets and serve as the leading source of learning and research for the investment industry. We believe in fostering an environment where investors' interests come first, markets function at their best, and economies grow. With more than 200,000 charterholders worldwide across more than 160 markets, CFA Institute has 9 offices and 157 local societies. Find us at www.cfainstitute.org or follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe on YouTube.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cfainstitute.org/about/press-room/2026/next-gen-investors-report-march-2026
[Category: Financial Services]
APA and National Latino Behavioral Health Association to Host MOORE Equity in Mental Health Youth Summit and Community Mental Health Fair in Albuquerque
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 25 -- The American Psychiatric Association issued the following news release:
* * *
APA and National Latino Behavioral Health Association to Host MOORE Equity in Mental Health Youth Summit and Community Mental Health Fair in Albuquerque
On Saturday, April 11, the American Psychiatric Association (APA), in partnership with the National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA), will host the 2026 APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Youth Summit and Community Mental Health Fair at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St. SW, Albuquerque, N.M. 87102. The Community
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, March 25 -- The American Psychiatric Association issued the following news release:
* * *
APA and National Latino Behavioral Health Association to Host MOORE Equity in Mental Health Youth Summit and Community Mental Health Fair in Albuquerque
On Saturday, April 11, the American Psychiatric Association (APA), in partnership with the National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA), will host the 2026 APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Youth Summit and Community Mental Health Fair at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, 1701 4th St. SW, Albuquerque, N.M. 87102. The CommunityMental Health Fair will take place from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This free, public event is family-focused and rooted in New Mexico's diverse Latino, Indigenous, immigrant, and rural communities. (The Youth Summit is invitation only.)
"Through these activities, APA and NLBHA aim to create an empowering space that builds on the strengths of the Albuquerque community--supporting youth mental health today while strengthening pathways to care for the future," said Dr. Theresa Miskimen Rivera. "These events reflect our commitment to meeting youth and families where they are, honoring community strengths, and expanding access to culturally responsive mental health support--both now and for generations to come," added Dr. Yolanda Rodriguez of NLBHA.
The APA-NLBHA Youth Mental Health Summit, held in the morning, will create a safe and welcoming space for invited high school-aged youth to engage in open conversations about mental health and well-being. Programming will include large-group discussions, interactive breakout sessions, wellness activities, and peer-led conversations centered on youth mental health, stress, identity, and help-seeking. Participation is by invitation only, with schools and youth-serving organizations bringing students to the summit.
All sessions and activities at the Youth Summit will be free and will include discussions on mental health awareness and stigma reduction; youth experiences with stress, anxiety, and social pressure; culturally grounded approaches to wellness that honor mind, body, and culture; and peer-led conversations that elevate youth voices. Wellness breaks and movement-based activities such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or dance may also be incorporated to support holistic well-being.
In the afternoon, the APA Community Mental Health Fair will be open to the broader community, bringing together local organizations, mental health clinicians, and advocates to share information about available mental health and substance use resources. Community members of all ages are invited to learn about services in their area, connect directly with providers, and access up-to-date, culturally responsive information.
Community Mental Health Fair registration (afternoon event only):
* Organizations interested in participating as vendors in the Community Mental Health Fair can register here.
* Community members may register to attend the Community Mental Health Fair here.
The APA MOORE Equity in Mental Health Initiative is hosted annually in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month and celebrates community-driven efforts to advance mental health equity. "Through this initiative, APA aims to support youth mental health by working collaboratively with community partners to address local needs and strengthen access to care," said Dr. Marketa Wills, CEO & Medical Director of APA.
* * *
American Psychiatric Association
The American Psychiatric Association, founded in 1844, is the oldest medical association in the country. The APA is also the largest psychiatric association in the world with more than 39,200 physician members specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and research of mental illnesses. APA's vision is to ensure access to quality psychiatric diagnosis and treatment. For more information, please visit www.psychiatry.org.
National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA)
The National Latino Behavioral Health Association (NLBHA) was founded to serve as a unified national voice for Latino communities in the behavioral health field. NLBHA works to address the significant disparities that persist in access to services, utilization, practice-based research, and the availability of culturally and linguistically competent professionals. In 2025, NLBHA proudly celebrates its 25th anniversary, recognizing a quarter century of advocacy, partnerships, and community-driven initiatives. For more information, visit www.nlbha.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.psychiatry.org/News-room/News-Releases/APA-and-NLBHA-to-Host-MOORE-Equity-Events
[Category: Psychiatry/Psychology]
AI in Toys: State & Federal Updates
NEW YORK, March 25 -- The Toy Association issued the following statement:
* * *
AI in Toys: State & Federal Updates
State and federal policymakers are increasingly focused on how artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into children's products, including toys. Recent legislative activity signals growing attention to safety, transparency, and the appropriate use of AI-driven features in consumer products, particularly those designed to interact directly with minors.
State Activity Accelerates
More than 100 AI-related bills have been introduced across 30+ states since December, many
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, March 25 -- The Toy Association issued the following statement:
* * *
AI in Toys: State & Federal Updates
State and federal policymakers are increasingly focused on how artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated into children's products, including toys. Recent legislative activity signals growing attention to safety, transparency, and the appropriate use of AI-driven features in consumer products, particularly those designed to interact directly with minors.
State Activity Accelerates
More than 100 AI-related bills have been introduced across 30+ states since December, manyof which could impact devices intended for use by children. Two pending proposals in California and New York specifically address AI-enabled toys, while broader legislation in states like Oregon and Washington establishes guardrails that could apply to AI-powered products across all categories.
Key state developments include:
* Oregon (SB 1546 - legislation passed, pending Governor Tina Kotek signature in the coming weeks):
- Requires clear notice that users are interacting with AI, not a human
- Mandates protocols to detect self-harm or suicidal ideation, including crisis referrals and intervention based on clinical best practices
- Prohibits sexually explicit content
- Restricts chatbots from simulating emotional dependence or romantic relationships, and bans engagement-based reward systems
- Requires periodic reminders (every three hours) to take breaks from AI interaction
- Requires annual public reporting on crisis interventions and safety protocols
* Washington (HB 2225 - legislation passed, pending Governor Bob Ferguson signature on March 24):
- Requires AI disclosure, including hourly reminders that users are interacting with AI
- Mandates safeguards to detect and respond to self-harm, including eating disorders, and provide crisis resources
- Prohibits sexually explicit content
- Restricts manipulative engagement tactics, including fostering emotional attachment, mimicking romantic relationships, or encouraging isolation from family or trusted adults
* Pending toy-specific legislation:
- New York (SB 9408): Would ban the sale of "chatbot toys" entirely and establish a study committee in four years to assess long-term impacts on children
- California (SB 867): Would impose a four-year moratorium on toys containing "companion chatbots," defined as AI systems capable of sustaining human-like relationships with users
White House Releases Federal Framework
On March 20, the White House released a National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence, outlining legislative priorities for Congress. Among the high-level areas addressed are:
* Strengthening protections for minors interacting with AI systems
* Empowering parents with tools to manage children's digital experiences
* Encouraging safety features to mitigate risks such as self-harm or exploitation
* Avoiding a fragmented, state-by-state regulatory landscape while preserving states' ability to address local concerns
* * *
Toy Association Advocacy
In addition to tracking AI policy movement at the state and federal levels, The Toy Association is working in collaboration with member companies and outside counsel to develop rigorous, voluntary AI guidelines specific to the toy industry.
Toy Association leadership will also be in Washington, DC on April 6 to 7 to meet with Administration officials and members of Congress to address the Association's priorities on behalf of members, including AI. The Toy Association will also host its 2026 DC Fly-In and Annual Day of Play on Capitol Hill from June 9 to 11 to bring members together with lawmakers and congressional staff to elevate the importance of play, highlight the U.S. toy industry's economic and cultural impact, and engage directly on key policy priorities.
The Toy Association will keep members informed of any policy developments regarding AI. For more information on The Toy Association's federal advocacy initiatives, members may contact Maria Sierra, vice president of government affairs.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.toyassociation.org/PressRoom2/News/2026-News/ai-in-toys-state-and-federal-updates.aspx
[Category: Business]
