The Overview

A state program that asks Californians to help shape decisions on issues like wildfire recovery and artificial intelligence is now written into law, so it no longer depends on which governor is in office. Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) signed Assembly Bill 2103 on Saturday, Sept. 19, and it takes effect Friday, Jan. 1, 2027. ​

Newsom launched Engaged California in February 2025 as an online platform modeled on digital democracy efforts in Taiwan, starting with Los Angeles wildfire survivors. The state later used it to ask state workers how to improve services and, in May, asked Californians statewide about artificial intelligence’s effect on jobs and the economy.

What the Law Does

The law makes the program a permanent part of the Office of Data and Innovation, a state office that uses technology and data to improve government services. The office must run the online platform and set best practices for how it works, and state agencies it identifies must help with outreach.

Deliberations happen only if the Legislature sets aside money specifically for the program. Outside groups can chip in extra funding, but they cannot pick discussion topics or take part in the discussions. Money the state sets aside for the program in the 2026-27 budget year that goes unspent can still be used the following year.

Legislative Status

Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks) wrote the bill. She argued that public hearings and comment periods miss many Californians, and that putting the program in law keeps it running from one administration to the next, according to the Assembly floor analysis.

The bill passed without a single no vote. The Assembly approved it 72-0 on May 21, the Senate passed it 38-0 on Aug. 30, and the Assembly agreed to the Senate’s changes 79-0 the next day, according to the FastDemocracy vote record.

Civic groups Elevate California and Project Liberty backed the bill, and no opposition was on file. At a June Senate committee hearing, members asked how the program would be paid for, how topics would be chosen and what would keep topic picks from turning partisan, Citizen Portal reported. The program’s director said its findings and anonymized raw data are published so others can check them.

---

AllCiv makes it easy to stay politically informed and involved.

---

Spot something wrong? Report an issue with this article