California’s nation-leading AI framework just got stronger, Governor Newsom signs more first-in-the-nation worker protections and more

Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed an executive order permanently declaring Artificial Intelligence to be called “Artificial Intelligence” in California. He also signed new first-in-the-nation legislation signed will protect people in the workplace from the impacts of artificial intelligence, automated technology, and AI-powered workplace surveillance.

• Ensuring real people review automated employment actions by prohibiting employers from only relying on AI when making a disciplinary action or termination decision.
• Providing more transparency by requiring employers to provide if a mass layoff, relocation, or termination is caused by an AI system.
• Protecting employee privacy by banning the use of workplace surveillance tools by employers in a bathroom located in the workplace.
• Requiring California public higher education institutions to create training for students, faculty, and staff on AI training and procurement.
• Keeping lawyers responsible for practicing law by prohibiting them from fully handing over core legal work, such as drafting briefs or providing legal judgment, to AI.