Newsom Signs AI Workplace Laws, Bans Automated Firings in Final Bill Actions

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a package of artificial intelligence bills on Wednesday, his final day to act on 1,160 measures sent by the Legislature. The centerpiece, SB 947, known as the "No Robo Bosses Act," bars employers from relying solely on automated systems to fire or discipline workers, requiring human review of such decisions effective July 2027.

The governor also signed laws restricting workplace surveillance, including bans on monitoring employees in restrooms and using AI to read emotional states or collect neural data. An accompanying executive order directs state agencies to continue using the term "artificial intelligence" rather than the "Super Intelligence" label recently mandated by President Donald Trump.

“No worker should ever be fired or disciplined by a machine, AI or not.”

Newsom vetoed an earlier version of the firing bill last year over advance-notice requirements opposed by rideshare companies. This year, Sen. Jerry McNerney removed those provisions and dropped gig-worker protections to secure passage. The governor highlighted the legislation as a contrast to the Trump administration, issuing a release titled "THE OPPOSITE OF TRUMP!" regarding a separate ban on public officials issuing cryptocurrency meme coins.

Labor leaders praised the signings as historic guardrails for workers, though the California Nurses Association noted that bills protecting healthcare workers from AI replacement were not included in Wednesday's actions. Newsom, widely seen as preparing a 2028 presidential bid, told reporters he has considered nearly 8,000 bills during his tenure.