Artificial Intelligence Bills - California Overregulates Again?
As the Legislature enters the final two weeks of the 2026 session, California businesses continue to oppose three significant bills regulating the use of artificial intelligence and automated technologies in the workplace: AB 1883 (Bryan), SB 947 (McNerney), and SB 951 (Reyes).All three remain alive and, if approved by the Legislature, could soon be sent to Governor Newsom.
While each bill takes a different approach, together they would impose substantial new restrictions, compliance requirements and potential liability on California employers using emerging technologies.
>AB 1883 would restrict workplace technologies capable of making certain inferences about workers, potentially sweeping in security cameras and other tools employers use to help maintain workplace safety. The bill also establishes penalties for violations and applies provisions to independent contractors as well as employees.
>SB 947 would restrict employers from relying solely on automated decision systems when making employment-related decisions and require human review and corroboration of AI-generated information. The business community believes these requirements could create costly administrative burdens, delay legitimate employment decisions and increase litigation exposure.
>SB 951 would establish extensive new requirements when employers make workforce changes involving AI or automation, including notice requirements and disclosure of information concerning AI systems, technology vendors and business decisions. The bill would create obligations beyond those currently imposed under Cal-WARN.
Taken together, these bills represent a premature and overly prescriptive approach to a rapidly evolving technology. California employers need reasonable rules that protect workers while allowing businesses to responsibly adopt technologies that can improve safety, productivity and competitiveness. Businesses will continue opposing these measures during the final days of the legislative session.
