California SB 813
The first US statute to build an independent AI assurance market rather than relying on developer self-attestation. Third-party verification becomes a recognised legal route, and other states are likely to copy the auditor-registry model.
What it is
Signed by Governor Newsom on 9 September 2026 alongside AB 1405, SB 813 creates a framework for accredited independent verification organisations to assess AI safety practices, while AB 1405 sets independence and transparency standards for AI auditors through a state registry. Implementing actions by the Government Operations Agency are due by 1 January 2028.
Signed 9 September 2026; implementation actions due by 1 January 2028.
Who is affected
Frontier developers, AI deployers and assurance providers operating in California
Key obligations
- Accreditation route for independent verification organisations assessing AI safety risks
- AB 1405: registry and independence standards for AI auditors
- Government Operations Agency implementing actions due by 1 January 2028
Compliance dates
California — Governor's decision deadline on the 2026 AI bills
Last day for the Governor to sign or veto the AI bills passed at the close of the 2026 session, including SB 813 on independent safety verification. Bills left unsigned at the deadline follow California's default rules rather than lapsing quietly.
Recent signals
Connecticut's AI and online safety law takes effect
Public Act 26-15 and companion privacy amendments took effect, covering AI chatbot disclosures, facial recognition and surveillance pricing.
California enacts SB 574 on lawyers' and arbitrators' use of generative AI
The first state statute on attorney AI use. It bars delegating the practice of law to generative AI and requires lawyers to verify citations and disclose AI use in court filings. Arbitrators may not delegate decisions to AI. It takes effect 1 January 2027.
New York sets frontier developer registration for November
Governor Hochul announced that frontier AI developers must register with the state from November 2026 under the RAISE Act, with full duties from January 2027.
California signs SB 813 and AB 1405 on independent AI verification
Governor Newsom signed the first US laws creating accredited AI verification organisations and standards for AI auditors, calling on the federal government to follow.
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