California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Executive Order N-5-26 on March 30, 2026. The directive requires AI vendors seeking state contracts to confirm they have safeguards against bias, illegal content, and civil rights violations.
This action follows the September 29, 2024, veto of Senate Bill 1047, which would have mandated shutdown capabilities for large AI models. Newsom rejected the bill, citing concerns that it was too broad and could stifle innovation.
On May 21, 2026, Newsom issued another order requiring state agencies to assess AI's impact on the workforce. Agencies have 90 to 180 days to evaluate job training and economic models for workers affected by automation.
In September 2026, the governor signed 13 bills targeting youth online safety. These laws impose strict requirements on how social media platforms and AI chatbots interact with minors, necessitating compliance investments from developers.
Separately, a bipartisan federal bill introduced in July 2026 by Rep. Ted Lieu proposes an AI Kill Switch Act. It would require developers to maintain shutdown controls for emergency use by the Department of Homeland Security.
