State law (California)
California SB 813 (independent verification organizations for AI)
California Senate Bill 813, by Senator Jerry McNerney, sets up a state framework for certifying independent verification organizations that assess AI systems and models for safety and risk. Governor Gavin Newsom signed it on 9 September 2026, together with AB 1405, which creates a state registry for AI auditors.
Last reviewed 28 Oct 2026
Facts at a glance
| Jurisdiction | California, United States |
|---|---|
| Author | Senator Jerry McNerney (D-Pleasanton) source |
| Signed | 9 September 2026 source |
| Companion bill | AB 1405 (Bauer-Kahan), state registry for AI auditors source |
| Implementing agency | Government Operations Agency |
| Application rules due | By 1 May 2027 under Executive Order N-9-26 source |
Questions people ask
- What is an independent verification organization under SB 813?
- The governor's office describes it as a certified body with the technical expertise and independence from AI companies to assess AI systems and models for safety and risk and for compliance with state law.
- When do the SB 813 procedures have to be ready?
- Executive Order N-9-26 of 18 September 2026 tells the Government Operations Agency to post the application requirements, procedures and criteria for verification organizations no later than 1 May 2027.