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SB 1159: Artificial intelligence: transparency and governance.
What SB 1159 does, verified August 25, 2026
The bill aims to amend existing laws related to government transparency and access to information. It excludes artificial intelligence systems and nonhuman entities from the definition of "person" under various acts, including the California Public Records Act and the Ralph M. Brown Act. This means that AI systems will not be considered as individuals or entities that can engage with government agencies or access public records. The bill also makes findings and declarations to support the exclusion of AI from these acts.
Bill journey
✓IntroducedComplete
✓In CommitteeComplete
✓First Chamber FloorComplete
✓Second ChamberComplete
5GovernorCurrent
6ChapteredPending
Last action: Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 37. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. (2026-08-20)Alert me
Author and sponsors
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| Aug. 20, 2026 | Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 37. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Aug. 13, 2026 | In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending. |
| Aug. 13, 2026 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. |
| Jul. 02, 2026 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Jul. 01, 2026 | From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (June 30). |