California signs SB 947 and SB 951 on AI in employment decisions and tech-driven layoff notices
Key points
- SB 947 sets requirements for ADS used in discipline and termination, operative July 1, 2027
- SB 947 prohibits using ADS to violate labor, safety or civil rights laws or to infer protected status
- SB 951 adds disclosures to Cal/WARN notices when AI or automation substantially contributes to layoffs
California signed SB 947, the No Robo Bosses Act, and SB 951 on September 30, 2026. SB 947 sets requirements for automated decision systems (ADS) used in discipline and termination, and prohibits using ADS to violate labor, safety or civil rights laws or to infer employees' protected status. It becomes operative July 1, 2027. SB 951 expands California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (Cal/WARN) requirements, adding disclosures to qualifying notices when AI or other automation substantially contributes to a workforce reduction. This is for reference only and does not constitute legal advice.
What employers should do
- Review whether ADS tools are used in discipline or termination and assess SB 947 requirements
- Update Cal/WARN notices to include SB 951 disclosures where technology-driven layoffs occur
Policy details
- Jurisdiction
- California
- Status
- Signed, not yet effective
- Effective date
- 2027-07-01
- Employers covered
- California employers using automated decision systems for discipline and termination; employers subject to Cal/WARN
- Official source
- Official source pending
Original report: View source ↗Edited with AI assistance. Facts are based on official sources and original reports. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.