SB 947: New Limits on AI and Automated Decision Systems in Employment From July 1, 2027
What changed
SB 947 (Chapter 859, Statutes of 2026) limits how employers may use automated decision systems in employment, beginning July 1, 2027. When an employer primarily relies on such a system to discipline or fire someone, it must give the employee a written notice afterward and, on request, a description of the employee's own data the system primarily used. Retaliating against employees who assert these rights is barred, and violations carry a civil penalty of $500 each.
Who it applies to
California employers that use automated decision systems, including AI tools, to make or support employment decisions.
Key dates
- Effective date:
- July 1, 2027
SB 947 automated decision system rules become operative
What employers may need to do
- Inventory automated decision systems used for employment decisions before July 1, 2027.
- Set up written post-use notices for discipline or termination decisions that primarily relied on such a system.
- Be ready to give an employee, on request, a description of their own data the system primarily used.
Official source
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB947Detected by RegWatch monitoring on October 1, 2026. Always confirm details against the official source above — this page is a summary, not legal advice.
Related updates
- CA LegislatureAB 1331: California Bans Workplace Surveillance in Bathrooms From January 1, 2027
- CA LegislatureAB 1883: Employers Can't Use AI to Read Employees' Emotions or Collect Neural Data From 2027
- CA LegislatureAB 1697: California's Stay-or-Pay Contract Ban Now Starts With Contracts Signed in 2027
- CA LegislatureAB 1803: Harassment Training Must Include Anti-Hate Speech Training From January 1, 2028
More CA Legislature updates · All California employer updates
Check how this affects your business
Professional compares updates like this with one saved business profile. Consultant evaluates the same update separately across as many as five client businesses.