Legislature Approves No Robo Bosses Act of 2026 to Ensure Human Oversight of AI in the Workplace

The California Legislature today approved Sen. Jerry McNerney’s SB 947, the No Robo Bosses Act of 2026 — groundbreaking legislation that would require human oversight of artificial intelligence systems in the workplace to prevent abuses.

If enacted, SB 947 would be the first such law in the nation.

SB 947 would bar California employers from relying solely on AI systems, known as automated decision-making systems (ADS), to fire or discipline workers. It would also require human oversight and verification when employers use ADS to assist in termination and disciplinary decisions.

“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 Sen. McNerney, D-Pleasanton, who authored the landmark AI in Government Act in Congress. “SB 947 will ensure that California businesses do not rely entirely on robo bosses to fire or discipline workers. AI must remain a tool controlled by humans, not the other way around.” 

SB 947 won approval today in the Senate on a vote of 28-10 after the Assembly approved it 53-14 on Sunday. The bill now goes to the governor’s desk. SB 947 is sponsored by the California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO. 

"We cannot have workplaces where humans are fired by AI or face discipline from an algorithm. Governor Newsom can protect the dignity of work by signing the No Robo Bosses Act and making California the first in the nation to require human oversight over decisions that impact a worker's paycheck or livelihood," said Lorena Gonzalez, president of the California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO, representing 1,300 unions and 2.3 million union members.

Employers around the globe are increasingly employing ADS — powered by artificial intelligence — to discipline or terminate workers in the name of maximizing productivity and reducing costs. According to recent estimates, there are more than 550 so-called “bossware” products available to employers to help manage workplaces. But there are examples of ADS making troubling errors, including people being mistakenly fired from their job. 

SB 947 establishes necessary safeguards of AI in the workplace by:

• Barring employers from relying solely on ADS to make firing or disciplinary decisions.
• Requiring human oversight and verification when employers use ADS to assist in termination and disciplinary decisions.
• Mandating employers to inform workers if they have used ADS in termination or disciplinary decisions.

The provisions of SB 947 would be enforced by the California labor commissioner, the state attorney general, or local prosecutors. The bill does not provide for a private right of action.

Sen. Jerry McNerney is chair of the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee and is a member of the Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee, which has jurisdiction over AI bills. His 5th Senate District includes all of San Joaquin County and Alameda County’s Tri-Valley.