Governor Gavin Newsom signed laws on Wednesday to protect California workers from artificial intelligence threats, including prohibitions against using AI to predict a worker’s emotional state based on biometric data and requirements for employers to notify workers if AI is involved in layoffs or terminations. Newsom also criticized former President Trump's recent directive to use the term "super intelligence" instead of AI, highlighting California's proactive stance on regulating emerging technologies in the absence of federal leadership.
Written locally by qwen2.5:14b on 2026-10-01,
using this article's own text rather than the other coverage of the
same event (that is the story summary below).
Story summary
Gavin Newsom, the Democratic governor of California, signed laws in late September aimed at protecting workers from potential threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI). The new legislation bans employers from using AI to predict employees' emotional states based on biometric data and prohibits relying solely on AI for firing decisions. Employers must also notify workers if mass layoffs are caused by AI systems. Additionally, Newsom signed an executive order directing state agencies to refer to the technology as "artificial intelligence" rather than "super intelligence," contrasting with a recent directive from former President Donald Trump.
The new laws address concerns raised by unions and worker advocates about job losses, discrimination, and increased workplace surveillance due to AI. As federal regulations remain absent, California’s measures could set precedents for broader workplace safeguards across the United States.
Written for “California Ai Worker Protection Laws” on 2026-10-05,
grounded in this article and the 1 other(s) covering the same event.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed laws Wednesday aimed at protecting California workers from the threats of artificial intelligence , including potential job losses and workplace surveillance.
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Newsom → sign → losses
The laws ban employers from using the technology to predict a worker’s emotional state by using their biometric data, require employers to send written notices to workers if AI is responsible for mass layoffs and ban employers from relying on AI to decide to fire someone.
The Democratic governor also signed an executive order to require state agencies to continue to refer to the technology as “artificial intelligence” instead of the term “super intelligence” as Donald Trump recently ordered US diplomats to use.
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Trump → ban → diplomats
“AI should expand opportunity – not come at the expense of workers and families,” Newsom said in a statement.
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Newsom → expand → statement
“As this technology reshapes the workplace, California is putting people at the center.”
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California → reshape → center
He sharply criticized Trump at an hour-long event with reporters Wednesday for not passing comprehensive federal AI regulations at a time when industry leaders are warning about the technology’s risks.
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leaders → criticize → risks
Trump said Tuesday that top tech leaders signed a voluntary accord to “self-police” AI development.
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leaders → say → development
The governor signed a law this month requiring operators of AI chatbots to perform risk assessments before rolling them out and an executive order requiring the state to consult with experts to further improve oversight over the industry.
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governor → sign → industry
“We have to do a lot more in the absence of federal leadership,” Newsom said, leaving the door open for the possibility of calling lawmakers back for a special session to further tackle the issue.
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Newsom → have → issue
The news conference came on Newsom’s last day to sign or veto bills before he terms out in January.
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he → come → January
He started the event by signing a law creating a tax credit program aimed at helping local news organizations – including newspapers, digital outlets and TV stations – hire and retain journalists.
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organizations → start → journalists
Newsom criticized what he called Trump’s assault on a free press, pointing to the president’s barring of news organizations from the White House.
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he → criticize → House
Newsom also spoke about the upcoming midterms, which will decide control of Congress.
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which → speak → Congress
He involved himself early in that fight by leading Democrats last year in a redistricting battle to improve their chances of winning more House seats.
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He → involve → seats
He’s said repeatedly that the stakes are high if his party doesn’t succeed in November.
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party → say → November
“There will not be a free and fair election in 2028 unless we take back the House of Representatives,” he said Wednesday.
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he → take → Representatives
Asked if he had set a deadline for himself to decide to run for president in 2028, Newsom hedged, saying: “That moment will arrive when it arrives.”
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it → ask → 2028
Former Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, who, like Newsom, hails from the San Francisco Bay Area, has also said she’s considering running for the job in 2028.
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she → hail → 2028
Newsom told CNN recently that he would not run for president if she entered the race.
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she → tell → race
He said the two have not spoken since that interview aired.
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interview → say → ?
Newsom weighed in on a proposal to temporarily raise taxes on billionaires that will be on the ballot in November, which he’s consistently opposed.
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he → weigh → which
He said he respects supporters of the measure, including Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who are committed to addressing income inequality in the country.
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who → say → country
“He’s spot on about the balance between the rich and the poor,” Newsom said.
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Newsom → ’ → rich
“On this issue, we fundamentally disagree.”
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we → disagree → issue
Newsom’s remarks came hours before a gubernatorial debate between Democrat Xavier Becerra and Republican Steve Hilton.
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remarks → come → Becerra
“You’re going to ask me, ‘Are you going to watch the debate?’” he said.
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he → go → debate
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