Newsom Enacts California’s First-Ever Safeguards Against AI Workplace Threats

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of legislative measures on Wednesday designed to shield employees from emerging risks posed by artificial intelligence, including the potential for automated job displacement and invasive workplace monitoring.

The newly enacted laws explicitly prohibit employers from utilizing AI systems to analyze biometric data in an effort to predict or gauge a worker’s emotional state. Additionally, the legislation mandates that companies provide written notification to staff if artificial intelligence plays a role in mass layoffs, and it forbids the use of AI algorithms as the sole basis for termination decisions.

Alongside the statutory changes, Newsom issued an executive order directing state agencies to continue using the term “artificial intelligence” rather than “super intelligence,” a rebranding effort recently mandated by President Donald Trump for U.S. diplomats. Newsom criticized the absence of comprehensive federal AI regulations, noting that industry leaders have warned of significant risks associated with the technology.

“AI should expand opportunity — not come at the expense of workers and families,” Newsom stated. “As this technology reshapes the workplace, California is putting people at the center.”

The governor also highlighted previous actions taken this month, including a law requiring AI chatbot operators to conduct risk assessments prior to deployment and an executive order establishing expert consultations to strengthen industry oversight. With federal leadership lacking, Newsom suggested he remains open to calling lawmakers back for a special session to further address these issues.

These actions were taken on Newsom’s final day to sign or veto bills before his term concludes in January, just weeks before midterm elections that will determine control of Congress. The governor has been actively involved in the Democratic strategy, having led redistricting efforts last year to improve the party’s prospects for winning House seats. He reiterated the high stakes of the upcoming election, stating that a free and fair 2028 election depends on Democrats reclaiming the House.

When asked about his own potential presidential bid in 2028, Newsom declined to set a deadline, saying the decision would come when the time was right. He also addressed former Vice President Kamala Harris’s consideration of a run, reaffirming his earlier statement that he would not compete if she entered the race. The two have not spoken since that interview aired.

Newsom also touched on a November ballot measure proposing temporary taxes on billionaires, which he opposes but respects the intent of supporters like Senator Bernie Sanders to address income inequality. He noted a fundamental disagreement with the proposal. The remarks preceded a gubernatorial debate between Newsom’s Democratic successor, Xavier Becerra, and Republican Steve Hilton, which Newsom said he would not watch.