Updated · Office of Governor Gavin Newsom · May 21
Newsom Signs 180-Day AI Workforce Order for California, Targeting Layoff Risks and Worker Protections
Updated
Updated · Office of Governor Gavin Newsom · May 21
Newsom Signs 180-Day AI Workforce Order for California, Targeting Layoff Risks and Worker Protections
6 articles · Updated · Office of Governor Gavin Newsom · May 21
California's executive order directs agencies to build an AI disruption response plan, including a sector dashboard, early-warning indicators and recommendations within 180 days to update the state's WARN layoff law.
The order tells officials to examine severance standards, employment insurance, transition support, worker-ownership models and expanded job training so displaced workers can share in AI-driven productivity gains.
Small businesses are also included through education and incentives on using emerging technology, while business feedback on technology's role in workforce decisions will be added to the state's monthly jobs report.
California framed the move as a first-in-the-nation labor response to AI, building on earlier state actions on generative AI, privacy, deepfakes and public-sector AI procurement.
The order will also draw on Engaged California, a statewide public consultation launched this month to gather residents' views on how AI is reshaping work and policy.
Could California's plan to save jobs from AI actually stifle its own technological progress?
As AI automates entry-level tasks, how will the next generation even begin their careers?
California’s AI Revolution: Workforce Protections, $18.6M Talent Investment, and Nation-Leading Regulation in 2026
Overview
California is taking a leading role in artificial intelligence by issuing new directives that balance innovation with strong workforce protection and state oversight. Building on previous executive orders, the state is launching the Engaged California program to gather public input on AI’s impact and ensure that adoption comes with clear guardrails. Every state agency is directed to boost efficiency and involve the workforce in these efforts, while generative AI is being used to improve public services. This approach shows California’s commitment to using AI for public good, preventing misuse, and setting high standards for responsible technology development.