Newsom signs No Robo Bosses Act and keeps California saying Artificial Intelligence

Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday signed SB 947, the No Robo Bosses Act, and companion California worker AI bills, the governor's office said.

SB 947, carried by Sen. Jerry McNerney, prohibits employers from relying solely on automated decision-making systems, software that ranks or decides about workers, when they discipline or terminate someone. CNBC reports that if an employer relies primarily on AI output for those moves, a human reviewer must corroborate with additional information such as managerial evaluations. Newsom vetoed an earlier version last October despite overwhelming chamber passage. McNerney reintroduced the bill in February after that veto, after lawmakers removed a pre-notification requirement and stripped a gig-worker extension. McNerney said no worker should ever be fired or disciplined by a machine, AI or not.

The same package includes SB 951, requiring notice if a mass layoff, relocation, or termination is caused by an AI system, plus AB 1331 and AB 1883 on workplace surveillance, including a ban on workplace surveillance tools in bathroom stalls. ABC News, citing the Associated Press, also notes a biometric emotion-prediction ban. Newsom said AI should expand opportunity, not come at the expense of workers and families. Lorena Gonzalez of the California Federation of Labor Unions said workers demanded the state lead on regulating AI in workplaces, and that the signing puts guardrails for human oversight, limits surveillance, and puts workers first.

An executive order signed the same day permanently declares that Artificial Intelligence is still called Artificial Intelligence in California, against the White House Super Intelligence branding that landed earlier in the week.

CNBC prints OECD color that 90% of U.S. managers say firms have adopted at least some algorithmic management.

A year after the October veto, McNerney's reintroduced bill is signed law.

Sources

• California's nation-leading AI framework just got stronger – Governor of California
• California's Newsom signs 'No Robo Bosses Act' limiting AI in firing decisions – CNBC
• California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs laws to protect workers from AI risks – ABC News / AP