Gavin Newsom signs California AI workplace limits and defies Donald Trump on terminology

Workplace protections and layoff notices

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of legislation on Wednesday establishing state-level limits on how employers deploy artificial intelligence in the workplace. The statutes prohibit businesses from using algorithmic technology to predict an employee's emotional state through biometric data analysis. Under the new laws, employers are also banned from relying on artificial intelligence systems to make employee firing decisions or direct workplace disciplinary actions. Furthermore, companies must issue formal written notices directly to workers whenever artificial intelligence systems are responsible for mass layoffs.

Newsom presented the legislative package as a safeguard for workers facing rapid technological adoption across California industries.

“AI should expand opportunity -- not come at the expense of workers and families.”

Executive orders over terminology

In addition to labor statutes, Newsom signed an executive order directing California departments and agencies under gubernatorial authority to continue using the term "artificial intelligence" and the abbreviation "AI" in official operations. The California order applies to state documents, public communications, and agency websites, operating regardless of federal rebranding as long as the wording does not violate existing law. The action arrived one day after President Donald Trump signed a federal executive order titled "Inaugurating the Era of Super Intelligence", directing federal executive agencies and diplomats to replace the term "artificial intelligence" with "super intelligence" and "SI". The text of California's order stated that modifying the name of a technology does not prevent an observer with normal intelligence from recognizing failures to address associated safety and security risks.

Newsom announced the California directive on social media with the phrase "You're welcome, America," before issuing a statement from Sacramento.

“Super intelligence is clearly not coming from the White House -- that's why California continues to lead.”

Federal friction and local journalism tax credits

During an hour-long press event on Wednesday, Newsom criticized the federal approach to artificial intelligence regulation at a time when industry leaders are warning about technology risks. Trump stated on Tuesday that leading technology executives had signed a voluntary accord to self-police artificial intelligence development, but Newsom argued that voluntary industry agreements do not provide sufficient public protection. The Sacramento press conference fell on Newsom's final statutory deadline to sign or veto bills before his gubernatorial term concludes in January. Earlier in the month, Newsom signed a statute requiring operators of artificial intelligence chatbots to perform formal risk assessments before rolling them out, alongside an executive order requiring state officials to consult technical experts.

Newsom left open the option of summoning California lawmakers for a special legislative session to address the technology further.

“We have to do a lot more in the absence of federal leadership.”

Newsom began the Wednesday event by signing a law creating a tax credit program designed to assist local news organizations, including newspapers, digital publications, and television stations, in hiring and retaining working journalists. The governor connected the local journalism support to broader national political debates, criticizing federal actions that barred selected news organizations from the White House. Newsom also addressed the upcoming congressional midterm elections, noting his involvement in a redistricting effort last year to assist Democratic campaigns in winning House seats.