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Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →California’s SB 947 limits employers from relying solely on artificial intelligence to discipline or terminate workers. AI may assist with those decisions, but the Governor’s summary describes a restriction on AI making them alone—not a ban on workplace AI generally. The measure, named the No Robo Bosses Act of 2026, was signed on September 30, 2026.
What California’s SB 947 does
The Governor’s September 30, 2026 announcement says employers may not “only rely” on AI when making disciplinary or termination decisions. In practical terms, the official summary distinguishes an automated system acting as the sole decision-maker from one used to assist a human decision.
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Senator Jerry McNerney, the bill’s author, describes the law as requiring human oversight and verification when an automated decision system (ADS) assists with a decision. His office also says employers must inform workers if an ADS was used in a termination or disciplinary decision. Those implementation details come from the senator’s post-signing summary; the consulted official summaries do not establish the precise notice timing or required content.
What the law does not establish
SB 947 is not described by the available official summaries as a ban on all AI use in employment. They do not establish the statute’s exact definitions of an ADS, covered employers or workers, exceptions, or effective date. Nor do they settle the remedies available or whether workers have a private right of action. Those details should not be inferred from the act’s “No Robo Bosses” name.
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McNerney said at signing: “No worker should ever be fired or disciplined by a robo boss.” The senator’s office also relayed a recent estimate of more than 550 “bossware” products, but its announcement did not identify the estimate’s source or publication year; that figure is a sponsor-reported estimate, not an independently verified count.
SB 947 versus AI-related layoff notices
The Governor’s signing announcement discusses a separate requirement concerning mass layoffs, relocation, or termination caused by an AI system, and identifies SB 951 as legislation on technological displacement notice. That is distinct from SB 947’s restriction on relying solely on AI for an individual discipline or termination decision. Do not treat SB 951’s notice rules as part of SB 947.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Who is identified as enforcing SB 947?
Senator McNerney’s office lists the California Labor Commissioner, the Attorney General, and local prosecutors as enforcement authorities. The post-signing summaries do not specify the remedies or establish whether an individual worker may bring a private claim.
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