Governor Newsom signs first-in-the-nation AI safeguards

Governor Gavin Newsom (D-CA) signed two bills (Senate Bill 813 and Assembly Bill 1405) strengthening California’s AI safeguards by establishing first-in-the-nation standards for third-party audits and independent assessments of AI systems—increasing transparency and accountability as the technology rapidly advances. The Governor signed Senate Bill 813, authored by Senator Jerry McNerney (D – Pleasanton), which establishes a first-in-the-nation framework for independent verification organizations that can assess AI systems and models for compliance with state law. Governor Newsom also signed Assembly Bill 1405, authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), creating a state registry for AI auditors and establishing standards for their independence, transparency, and integrity. Together, the bills establish a framework for independent third-party evaluation and audits, laying the foundation for greater transparency and accountability as AI becomes increasingly embedded in critical sectors of California’s economy and public life.