California will require human review of some automated workplace discipline starting in July 2027
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 947 on September 30. The law bars employers from relying solely on an automated decision system to fire or discipline a worker. The provisions become operative July 1, 2027.
Verified 12:42 AM PDT · 2 original sources
When an employer relies mainly on an automated output, a person must check the decision against supporting information. The reviewer may use the same data as the system or other supporting information. The employer must give the affected employee written notice. The employee can request a description of their own data used to make the decision.
An employer cannot base a decision on an output if a person cannot corroborate it or finds that it is inaccurate, incomplete or misleading. The law exempts qualifying collective bargaining agreements and some aviation or defense uses required by federal law. These provisions are not yet operative.
After July 1, 2027, employers will have to explain the human review to affected workers. Labor Commissioner enforcement will show how the requirements work in practice.
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- Governor of CaliforniaGovernor Newsom signs more worker protections and AI safeguards ↗
- California LegislatureSB 947: Employment: automated decision systems, enrolled text ↗
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