Sacramento – Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) announced that Assembly Bill 1018, a bill that safeguards people against discrimination by requiring automated decision systems (ADSs) be tested for any embedded biases, will be paused until next year to allow for additional stakeholder engagement and productive conversations with the Governor's office.
"This pause reflects our commitment to getting this critical legislation right, not a retreat from our responsibility to protect Californians," said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. "AB 1018 has demonstrated strong support across both houses that reflects my colleagues' shared understanding of the need to address algorithmic discrimination.”
Samantha Gordon, Chief Advocacy Officer at TechEquity said “Californians have made it clear that they want and need stronger AI laws and common sense protections around its use in employment, housing, healthcare, and other important areas. The protections in AB1018 are simple - requiring companies to test their tools for bias and inform people that an AI system is playing a role in critical decisions about their lives. The massive industry opposition to these basic rights reinforces how important it is to pass this critical legislation. We look forward to working with Asm. Bauer Kahan on ensuring everyday Californians benefit from the growing use of technology in our daily lives.”
“California has laws to prevent humans from discriminating in employment, housing, healthcare, and other critical spheres of life,” said Tazamisha Alexander, a Solano County lead eligibility worker and SEIU 1021 board member. “Automated Decision Systems need to be held to the same standard."
Californians have made their expectations clear: they want meaningful regulation of AI and for their government to ensure these powerful technologies serve all communities fairly and transparently. California has always led on civil rights and consumer protection, and AB 1018 continues this tradition by ensuring technological progress benefits all Californians while providing the regulatory certainty that supports responsible innovation.
"We remain committed to advancing thoughtful protections against algorithmic discrimination," said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. "The need is well-documented and real, and I'm confident that by working together, we can ensure California sets the standard for responsible automated decision-making that protects consumers while fostering innovation."
