California bill aims to ban robot bosses

A new California bill is aiming to prevent companies from using artificial intelligence-powered robots as bosses who can fire human employees.

State Senator Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) introduced SB 947, the No Robo Bosses Act of 2026, on Monday. The legislation would bar California employers from relying solely on a type of AI, known as automated decision-making systems (ADS), to fire or discipline workers. It would also require human oversight when employers use ADS to assist in termination and disciplinary decisions.

In addition, SB 947 would prohibit companies from using ADS systems that tap into employees’ personal information trying to predict what they’ll do in the future.

“Employers are increasingly using AI to boost productivity and achieve cost-savings, but there are no safeguards in place to prevent harm to workers,” said McNerney.

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