As California continues to see massive AI-driven layoffs from major corporations like Meta, Oracle, and UPS, Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo announced Thursday that her bill, the AI Deployment & Workforce Displacement Assessment (AB 2545 passed the California State Assembly. 

The bill would provide California policymakers the information needed to address how artificial intelligence is impacting job loss, workers, and the future of the state’s economy as companies already shed tens of thousands of jobs to pay for billions of dollars in AI investment and job displacement.

“AI is already costing thousands of Californians their jobs as companies choose to invest in technology at the expense of workers – we cannot wait until even more families are left picking up the pieces before we act,” said Assemblywoman Schiavo. “This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. As AI companies move toward making trillions of dollars in profits — more than some governments — taxpayers should not be left paying for the fallout. AB 2545 will ensure we have the data and information needed to act quickly to find workers who will be most impacted and make sure the state is able to fully support them.”

The vote on AB 2545 comes on the same day Governor Newsom announced an executive order directing state agencies to prepare reports and recommendations on actions the state can take to prevent AI-driven economic disruption. 

While the Executive Order is an important step, much more is needed to protect Californians from the impacts of AI.

“I am glad to see the Governor taking needed steps to prepare California for additional AI disruption,” said Assemblywoman Schiavo. “The Legislature has been working hard on a range of policies needed to understand, address, and prevent the worst impacts of AI on workers, taxpayers, and the economy. We look forward to the Governor’s partnership to turn those efforts into real protections for Californians.”

AB 2545 would create an advisory panel composed of workforce development organizations, workers, industry, and experts to assess the impacts of AI deployment on California’s workforce, including potential job displacement, industry disruptions, and the policies and funding options needed to support displaced workers. The bill is focused on ensuring California responds quickly to rapidly advancing technology and plans for a future of work that does not leave working families behind. The bill now moves to the State Senate for consideration.

Ed. Note: The above information was provided by Schiavo’s Office.

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