In one paragraph
AB 1883 added Part 5.8 (commencing with Section 1580) to Division 2 of the Labor Code. With certain exceptions, it prohibits an employer, including public employers, from using a workplace surveillance tool that uses artificial intelligence to, among other things, collect neural data or recognize an individual's emotional state. The Labor Commissioner and public prosecutors may enforce it, with civil penalties of up to $500 per violation. Exemptions apply where use is reasonably necessary to comply with federal law or federal contracts for aircraft, national security, military, or space work.
Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.
What it means for business
Employers and HR technology vendors must disable emotion recognition and neural data features in AI monitoring tools used on California workers.
Key provisions
- Labor Code Section 1580 and following
- Bars AI-enabled surveillance tools for neural data collection or emotion recognition
- Applies to private and public employers
- Civil penalty up to $500 per violation
- Federal compliance exemptions for aerospace and national security work
Latest legislative action
Sep 30, 2026. Approved by the Governor September 30, 2026. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 853, Statutes of 2026.
Topics and industries
Related topics
Affected industries
This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error