# California AI safety and workforce policy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/california-artificial-intelligence-and-online-safety-policy > Updated: 2026-09-17T20:05:54.000Z. Sources: 65. Developments: 2. California has implemented several legislative and executive measures to address the risks and societal impacts of artificial intelligence and digital platforms. Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of laws focused on minor safety, including Assembly Bill 1709, which bans addictive features like infinite scroll and algorithmic feeds for users under 16. The legislation also includes “Adam’s Law” (SB 1119), requiring AI chatbots to implement crisis protocols for minors and undergo annual safety audits. To enforce these protections, Assembly Bill 2 allows for civil penalties of up to $1 million per child in cases of negligence. Expanding the scope of state intervention, Newsom has issued further executive orders to address both the economic and security risks of AI. To mitigate the impact on the workforce, the administration is directing state agencies to study tools such as expanded unemployment insurance, severance pay standards, and job retraining, while evaluating updates to the California Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act to account for AI-driven layoffs. In response to concerns regarding catastrophic risks, Newsom has ordered an acceleration of AI oversight. A recent executive order directs state agencies and a panel of experts to investigate the technical and legal feasibility of an emergency “kill switch” for advanced “frontier” AI models to prevent them from “going rogue.” This order mandates that experts provide safety and security guidelines within two months and explores requirements for independent third-party audits and potential onsite monitoring within AI laboratories. The administration also seeks to accelerate the implementation of existing state laws, specifically SB 813 and AB 1405, framing these actions as a response to a lack of federal AI accountability. ## Claims - Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to accelerate AI oversight in California. (corroborated by 28 sources) - The order includes exploring the feasibility of a mandatory 'kill switch' for advanced AI models. (corroborated by 26 sources) - The executive order directs a group of experts to provide AI safety and security guidelines within two months. (corroborated by 25 sources) - The order seeks recommendations for requiring independent third-party audits of AI safety frameworks. (corroborated by 22 sources) - Newsom criticized the federal government for failing to establish meaningful AI oversight. (corroborated by 13 sources) - State agencies must report on the feasibility of the kill switch and other safety measures by November 16, 2026. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The executive order aims to accelerate the implementation of existing California AI laws SB 813 and AB 1405. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The order directs state agencies to study the economic impact of AI on the workforce and potential job losses. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-17: California Governor Newsom orders AI safety review and 'kill switch' study California Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to accelerate AI oversight, including exploring a mandatory “kill switch” for advanced models and requiring independent safety audits. 49 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-governor-newsom-issues-ai-workforce-and-safety-orders ### 2026-09-11: California enacts sweeping online safety laws for minors California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a major legislative package to protect minors online, banning addictive social media features for those under 16 and implementing new safety protocols for AI chatbots. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/california-enacts-laws-targeting-addictive-social-media-design-for-minors --- Cite as: California AI safety and workforce policy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/california-artificial-intelligence-and-online-safety-policy