Fact: On Sep. 9, 2026, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 813 and Assembly Bill 1405, according to a state press release.

Fact: SB 813, authored by Senator Jerry McNerney, creates a framework for independent verification organizations to assess AI systems and models for compliance with state law. AB 1405, authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer‑Kahan, establishes a state registry for AI auditors and sets standards for their independence, transparency and integrity, the release says.

Source claim: The administration describes the two measures as the first in the nation to set standards for third‑party audits and independent assessments of AI, and says the bills will increase transparency and accountability as AI spreads through critical sectors.

Source claim: The press release also places the bills in a broader state strategy, citing prior California actions including a 2023 executive order on state use of AI, a 2024 legislative package on deepfakes and watermarking, and SB 53 in 2025 requiring disclosure of frontier AI safety frameworks.

Analysis: The laws create statutory authority for independent evaluation and a registry. That structure could make it easier for the state and other entities to demand or rely on third‑party assessments of models used in government and private critical infrastructure.

Inference: The release frames the bills as implementing recommendations of the governor’s blue‑ribbon panel on AI and as a response to unspecified recent incidents and expert concerns. The document does not list those incidents or provide technical details about auditor accreditation, certifying bodies, timelines, budgets, or enforcement mechanisms.

Source claim: The administration’s statement urges federal action. The press release quotes Governor Newsom calling on the federal government to adopt robust national regulations to match the technology’s speed and scale.

Source claim: Senator McNerney is quoted saying the bills put California in the lead on assessing AI safety risks and that SB 813 codifies a panel recommendation. Assemblymember Bauer‑Kahan is quoted saying third‑party auditors are essential because industry should not be allowed to 'grade its own homework.' These are presented as lawmakers’ rationales for the measures in the release, not as independent verification of outcomes or efficacy of the new regime.  i

Sources & methodology

This report was written from the primary materials below. Links open at the original publisher.

Office of the Governor of California

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