California’s Historic AI Worker Protection Laws Signed by Newsom
On Wednesday, September 30, 2026, California Governor Gavin Newsom enacted a comprehensive package of laws. These laws are designed to safeguard workers from the escalating risks associated with artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace. This groundbreaking legislation establishes California as the most assertive U.S. state regulator of workplace AI, filling the void left by a lack of extensive federal action.
The newly signed laws prohibit employers from utilizing AI to predict a worker’s emotional state via biometric data. They also mandate companies to provide written notices to employees when AI is the cause of mass layoffs. Furthermore, employers are forbidden from using AI as the sole determinant for terminating an employee. The laws also address AI-generated deepfakes, particularly explicit content created without the individual’s consent. In addition, Newsom signed an executive order insisting all California state agencies to persist in using the term “artificial intelligence” instead of “super intelligence”, a term recently endorsed by the Trump administration.
At a press event, Newsom expressed strong disapproval of President Trump for his failure to implement comprehensive federal AI regulations. He stated, “AI should expand opportunity — not come at the expense of workers and families. We have to do a lot more in the absence of federal leadership.” He also hinted at the possibility of convening a special legislative session to further delve into AI governance in the state.
Source: BNN Bloomberg – California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs laws to protect workers from AI risks