California governor signs laws to protect workers from AI risks

LOS ANGELES - California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed four laws regulating artificial intelligence in the workplace, including measures requiring human oversight of automated discipline and dismissal decisions and limits on workplace surveillance.

Senate Bill 947 bars employers from relying solely on automated systems to discipline or dismiss workers. When an employer primarily relies on such a system, a human must corroborate the decision using relevant supporting information.

Senate Bill 951 requires employers to add AI-related information to the advance notices already required under California law before covered mass layoffs, relocations or closures. It applies when AI or automated technology wholly or substantially causes displacement by replacing or automating jobs.

The California Federation of Labor Unions sponsored the two Senate bills. The California Chamber of Commerce opposed both, citing compliance costs and potential penalties.

Assembly Bill 1883 restricts AI surveillance that infers emotions or collects nervous-system data, while Assembly Bill 1331 generally prohibits technological surveillance in workplace bathrooms.

"AI should expand opportunity -- not come at the expense of workers and families," said Newsom in a statement. "As this technology reshapes the workplace, California is putting people at the center."