AI can flag a worker, but not fire them? California’s new law puts a human back in charge of workplace discipline decisions

State Senator Jerry McNerney, who authored the legislation, has stated that AI should supplement human decision-making, not replace it. It is instructive that the language of SB 947 reflects this. The technology may assist, but a person will always be responsible for the consequential decision. Therefore, the law focuses less on whether there can be AI in the workplace and more on where human responsibility needs to remain.

The California Senate office notes that this is the first law of its kind in the United States. This means that it is a significant move in the regulation of one of the trickiest aspects of workplace management involving AI. California is defining a particular line in the sand regarding one of the thorniest issues of the use of such technology.

For the full report, click here.