Governor Newsom signs artificial intelligence and labor rights laws
California Governor Gavin Newsom approved regulations protecting workers from the negative impacts of artificial intelligence while exercising his veto power on some healthcare bills.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has approved major laws limiting the termination, surveillance, and monitoring of workers by artificial intelligence. Union leaders hailed the move as a historic step forward.
Artificial intelligence and worker protection laws
Governor Gavin Newsom signed new laws limiting the termination or disciplining of employees using artificial intelligence. These regulations aim to protect the rights of the workforce.
Under the approved laws, employers are prohibited from predicting employees' emotional states and collecting brain data, while AI-supported restroom surveillance is also blocked.
Healthcare and automation regulations
The new legislation guarantees that healthcare professionals have the final say in patient care decisions. Additionally, advance notice has been made mandatory for layoffs stemming from artificial intelligence or automation.
These laws enacted regarding the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare and its impact on patient care were welcomed by unions.
Vetoed bills and union reactions
Governor Newsom vetoed two bills: one that would protect healthcare workers from retaliation if they refuse to comply with clinical decisions, and another limiting the use of artificial intelligence in mental health.
While union leaders evaluated the signed laws as a historic step, they stated that efforts to regulate artificial intelligence in the healthcare sector will continue.