The Overview

Ever wondered who checks whether the AI systems you use every day are actually safe? Gov. Gavin Newsom signed SB 813 on September 9, 2026, creating a framework for independent verification organizations that assess AI systems for safety risks. ​

California's Independent Verification Organizations bill, SB 813, requires the Government Operations Agency to take certain actions on or before Jan. 1, 2028. Countries and other institutions use different arrangements to evaluate AI models, and Brookings reported that questions about evaluator independence, evaluation quality, and shared standards remain unresolved.

What the Law Does

The law directs California's Government Operations Agency to select and regulate "independent verification organizations," defined as entities the agency designates as having demonstrated expertise in assessing AI risks and identifying the metrics and methodologies behind that assessment. The agency must convene working groups to gather input on standards and develop procedures for designation.

Each designated organization must submit an annual report to the agency and the Legislature, no sooner than 12 months after its initial designation. The law also amends the existing Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act, which requires large AI developers to publish a framework describing how they approach safety standards for their most advanced models. Newsom's office described the law as establishing a first-in-the-nation framework for independent verification organizations, according to a governor's office announcement.

Legislative Status

Sen. Jerry McNerney (D) was the lead author of the bill, with Bauer-Kahan and Lowenthal as coauthors. The Senate passed the bill Jan. 27 by 31 yes to seven no. The Assembly passed it Aug. 30 by 67 yes to six no, and the Senate concurred in Assembly amendments the same day 37 to zero.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Sen. Jerry McNerney's SB 813, which establishes a framework for independent, third-party assessments of potential AI safety risks. Fathom, a bill sponsor, welcomed the Legislature's passage of SB 813, saying the vote moved California closer to a state framework for independent verification of AI safety.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article