Introduction
California lawmakers are actively pursuing a series of legislative measures to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) with the aim of safeguarding individuals and society from potential risks. These efforts encompass a range of bills designed to address various aspects of AI deployment, including data security, discrimination prevention [2], content regulation, transparency [1] [2], and accountability [1].
Description
California lawmakers are advancing multiple bills aimed at regulating artificial intelligence to protect individuals and society from potential harms [2]. Among these, Sen Josh Becker’s SB 468 mandates that deployers of AI systems processing personal information implement security measures to safeguard that data [1], aligning with existing state and federal laws [1]. This bill is currently under review by the Senate Judiciary Committee [1].
In addition, Assembly Bill 1018 [2], proposed by Democratic Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan [2], seeks to prevent automated discrimination by requiring AI developers to assess their technology’s performance prior to deployment [2]. This legislation mandates notifications to individuals when AI makes significant decisions regarding employment [2], education [2], housing [2], health care [2], finance [2], criminal sentencing [2], and access to government services [2], while also granting individuals the right to opt-out and appeal AI-driven decisions [2].
SB 11 [1], sponsored by Sen Angelique Ashby [1], aims to include AI-generated content within the state’s right of publicity and false impersonation laws [1]. It requires AI developers to provide consumer warnings about the legal implications of creating and distributing unauthorized deepfakes [1], addressing concerns about exploitation and misinformation [1].
AB 1405 establishes a registry for AI auditors [1], creating a publicly accessible repository and setting standards for transparency and ethical conduct [1], while also including whistleblower protections [1]. Senator Scott Wiener has reintroduced a scaled-back version of his AI bill [2], focusing on protections for whistleblowers and establishing a state cloud for public interest research [2].
SB 813 designates the California Attorney General to certify third-party regulatory organizations that ensure AI models mitigate high-risk impacts [1], providing an affirmative defense in civil actions if the AI was certified at the time of the alleged harm [1]. Furthermore, AB 316 prevents AI developers from claiming autonomy as a defense in liability cases [1], ensuring accountability for harm caused by AI systems [1]. This bill is currently undergoing further consideration after initial approval [1].
These legislative efforts follow a backdrop of over 20 AI-related laws signed by Governor Gavin Newsom last year [2], although some were vetoed [2], including those aimed at regulating self-driving trucks and weaponized robots [2]. The evolving political landscape has prompted calls for lawmakers to draft legislation that balances consumer protections with the interests of business leaders to avoid future vetoes [2]. Advocacy groups [2], such as the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law [2], are supporting initiatives like the Eliminating Bias in Algorithmic Systems Act and the AI Civil Rights Act [2], which align with California’s legislative efforts to address bias and discrimination [2] in AI.
Conclusion
The legislative initiatives in California reflect a proactive approach to managing the complexities and potential risks associated with AI technologies. By addressing issues such as data security, discrimination, and accountability [1], these measures aim to create a balanced framework that protects consumers while fostering innovation. The ongoing dialogue between lawmakers, advocacy groups [2], and industry leaders is crucial in shaping policies that effectively mitigate the challenges posed by AI, ensuring that technological advancements benefit society as a whole.
References
[1] https://www.transparencycoalition.ai/news/legislative-update-ai-bills-see-which-flying-which-dying
[2] https://el-observador.com/2025/03/28/california-has-30-new-proposals-to-rein-in-ai-trump-could-complicate-them/
