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    SB-420
    Civil Rights & Liberties

    Automated decision systems.

    Engrossed
    CA
    ∙
    2025-2026 Regular Session
    0
    0
    Track
    Track

    Key Takeaways

    • Requires developers to assess high-risk AI systems for discrimination before deployment starting January 2026.
    • Mandates companies notify individuals when AI systems are used in decisions affecting their rights or benefits.
    • Establishes penalties up to $25,000 for AI systems that discriminate based on protected characteristics.
    • Prohibits state agencies from contracting AI systems unless certified to comply with civil rights laws.

    Summary

    Senator Padilla's artificial intelligence regulation bill establishes comprehensive oversight of high-risk automated decision systems in California, requiring impact assessments and governance programs to prevent algorithmic discrimination. The legislation mandates that developers and deployers evaluate AI systems used for critical decisions about education, employment, housing, healthcare and other essential services before implementation.

    The bill creates a tiered compliance framework based on organization size and system risk level. Developers must conduct pre-deployment assessments examining potential discriminatory impacts and implement safeguards, while deployers must perform evaluations within two years of system adoption. State agencies can opt out of assessments when using unmodified systems as intended, provided developers meet contract requirements and no discrimination risks are identified.

    When automated systems are used to make decisions about individuals, deployers must provide notice explaining the AI's purpose, data usage, and appeal rights. Organizations must maintain public disclosures about their high-risk AI deployments and risk management approaches. The Attorney General and Civil Rights Department can pursue civil penalties ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 per violation, with a 45-day cure period available based on factors like violation intent and entity resources.

    The legislation exempts organizations with 50 or fewer employees and systems already approved under equivalent federal standards. It also prohibits state agencies from contracting for high-risk AI systems unless vendors certify compliance with California's civil rights and non-discrimination laws. Impact assessments submitted to oversight agencies remain confidential to protect trade secrets while ensuring accountability.

    Key Dates

    Next Step
    Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection
    Next Step
    Assembly Committee
    Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection
    Hearing has not been scheduled yet
    Vote on Senate Floor
    Senate Floor
    Vote on Senate Floor
    Senate 3rd Reading SB420 Padilla
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Do pass as amended
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Placed on suspense file
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
    Senate Judiciary Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Judiciary Hearing
    Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Governmental Organization]
    Introduced
    Senate Floor
    Introduced
    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

    Contacts

    Profile
    Jacqui IrwinD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Rebecca Bauer-KahanD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Cottie Petrie-NorrisD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Buffy WicksD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Chris WardD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    0 of 16 row(s) selected.
    Page 1 of 4
    Select All Legislators
    Profile
    Jacqui IrwinD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Rebecca Bauer-KahanD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Cottie Petrie-NorrisD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Buffy WicksD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Chris WardD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Isaac BryanD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Lori WilsonD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Tina McKinnorD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Diane DixonR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Joe PattersonR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Josh LowenthalD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Liz OrtegaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Gail PellerinD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Steve PadillaD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Carl DeMaioR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Alexandra MacedoR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member

    Get Involved

    Act Now!

    Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

    Introduced By

    Steve Padilla
    Steve PadillaD
    California State Senator
    40% progression
    Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (6/2/2025)

    Latest Voting History

    View History
    June 2, 2025
    PASS
    Senate Floor
    Vote on Senate Floor
    AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
    269540PASS

    Key Takeaways

    • Requires developers to assess high-risk AI systems for discrimination before deployment starting January 2026.
    • Mandates companies notify individuals when AI systems are used in decisions affecting their rights or benefits.
    • Establishes penalties up to $25,000 for AI systems that discriminate based on protected characteristics.
    • Prohibits state agencies from contracting AI systems unless certified to comply with civil rights laws.

    Get Involved

    Act Now!

    Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

    Introduced By

    Steve Padilla
    Steve PadillaD
    California State Senator

    Summary

    Senator Padilla's artificial intelligence regulation bill establishes comprehensive oversight of high-risk automated decision systems in California, requiring impact assessments and governance programs to prevent algorithmic discrimination. The legislation mandates that developers and deployers evaluate AI systems used for critical decisions about education, employment, housing, healthcare and other essential services before implementation.

    The bill creates a tiered compliance framework based on organization size and system risk level. Developers must conduct pre-deployment assessments examining potential discriminatory impacts and implement safeguards, while deployers must perform evaluations within two years of system adoption. State agencies can opt out of assessments when using unmodified systems as intended, provided developers meet contract requirements and no discrimination risks are identified.

    When automated systems are used to make decisions about individuals, deployers must provide notice explaining the AI's purpose, data usage, and appeal rights. Organizations must maintain public disclosures about their high-risk AI deployments and risk management approaches. The Attorney General and Civil Rights Department can pursue civil penalties ranging from $2,500 to $25,000 per violation, with a 45-day cure period available based on factors like violation intent and entity resources.

    The legislation exempts organizations with 50 or fewer employees and systems already approved under equivalent federal standards. It also prohibits state agencies from contracting for high-risk AI systems unless vendors certify compliance with California's civil rights and non-discrimination laws. Impact assessments submitted to oversight agencies remain confidential to protect trade secrets while ensuring accountability.

    40% progression
    Bill has passed all readings in its first house and is ready to move to the other house (6/2/2025)

    Key Dates

    Next Step
    Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection
    Next Step
    Assembly Committee
    Referred to the Assembly Standing Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection
    Hearing has not been scheduled yet
    Vote on Senate Floor
    Senate Floor
    Vote on Senate Floor
    Senate 3rd Reading SB420 Padilla
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Do pass as amended
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Placed on suspense file
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations]
    Senate Judiciary Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Judiciary Hearing
    Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Governmental Organization]
    Introduced
    Senate Floor
    Introduced
    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

    Latest Voting History

    View History
    June 2, 2025
    PASS
    Senate Floor
    Vote on Senate Floor
    AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
    269540PASS

    Contacts

    Profile
    Jacqui IrwinD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Rebecca Bauer-KahanD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Cottie Petrie-NorrisD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Buffy WicksD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Chris WardD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    0 of 16 row(s) selected.
    Page 1 of 4
    Select All Legislators
    Profile
    Jacqui IrwinD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Rebecca Bauer-KahanD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Cottie Petrie-NorrisD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Buffy WicksD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Chris WardD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Isaac BryanD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Lori WilsonD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Tina McKinnorD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Diane DixonR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Joe PattersonR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Josh LowenthalD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Liz OrtegaD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Gail PellerinD
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Steve PadillaD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Carl DeMaioR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Alexandra MacedoR
    Assemblymember
    Committee Member