Podcast · Episode 2
Conversations: California limits automated decision systems in discipline and firing
California's SB 947, signed September 30, 2026, bars employers from relying solely on automated decision systems to discipline or fire workers and requires human corroboration and written notice starting July 1, 2027.
One topic from LexRegister, discussed in full.
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Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 947, Senator Jerry McNerney’s No Robo Bosses Act of 2026, on September 30, 2026, adding Labor Code Sections 1520 to 1526.7.
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From July 1, 2027, employers may not rely solely on an automated decision system to discipline or fire a worker, and when they primarily rely on one, a human must corroborate the output and the employer must give written post-use notice.
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The Labor Commissioner and public prosecutors enforce the law, each violation carries a $500 civil penalty, and once system use is shown the burden shifts to the employer.
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Supporters include the California Federation of Labor Unions, while the California Chamber of Commerce and allies argued the bill will drive up costs for consumers and employers.
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The piece notes the statute does not define “primarily relies” or say how much corroboration is sufficient.
Read the full piece on LexRegister
About this episode
LexRegister Conversations is read by two synthetic voices, Ben Adler and Marcus Webb. They are not people and hold no views. Every episode discusses a piece already published and reviewed on LexRegister.