Governor Gavin Newsen issued a directive on September 18, 2026 requiring California state agencies to develop new artificial intelligence safety regulations and implementation plans. The order sets a two-year deadline for agencies to produce comprehensive rules aimed at preventing incidents involving rogue AI systems, a concern that has grown after recent high‑profile failures of autonomous technologies.
The directive follows a pattern of legislative activity on AI that began two years earlier, when Newsom vetoed a bill that would have imposed stricter controls on the development and deployment of artificial intelligence within the state. The veto was based on concerns about the bill's impact on innovation, according to statements made at the time. By issuing agency directives now, the governor is reviving selected components of the previously rejected legislation without reopening the full bill in the legislature.
Under the new mandate, each relevant department will assess current AI applications under its jurisdiction, identify potential safety gaps, and draft rules that address those gaps. The agencies are also tasked with coordinating with each other to ensure that the resulting framework is consistent across the state’s regulatory landscape. The two‑year timeline provides a window for public comment, expert review, and possible adjustments before final rules are adopted.
Officials noted that the move is intended to create a proactive safety net as AI technologies become more integrated into public services, transportation, healthcare, and other critical sectors. The governor’s office emphasized that the plan seeks to balance the benefits of AI with safeguards that protect citizens from unintended consequences. The upcoming agency‑driven process will be monitored for compliance with the set deadline, and any further legislative action will be considered based on the outcomes of the agency work.