California AB 302 (state must inventory its high-risk automated decision systems)
California Government Automated Decision System Inventory (AB 302)
California · Cal. Gov. Code 11546.45.5 (AB 302, Stats. 2023)
- Status
- In effect
- Took effect
- January 1, 2024
- Applies to
- The California Department of Technology and state agencies that use, develop, or procure high-risk automated decision systems.
- Enforced by
- California Department of Technology (reporting to the Legislature); no dedicated enforcement body.
California directs its Department of Technology to compile a comprehensive inventory of the high-risk automated decision systems that state agencies use, develop, or buy. A high-risk system is one that helps make or replaces consequential decisions affecting things like housing, jobs, credit, health care, education, and criminal justice. The Department must report the inventory to the Legislature annually, with the obligation winding down at the start of 2029.
Who is protected: Indirectly, members of the public affected by state-agency automated decisions; the law creates a transparency mechanism rather than individual rights.
Legal detail
AB 302 added Cal. Gov. Code 11546.45.5, requiring the Department of Technology to inventory all high-risk automated decision systems used, developed, or procured by state agencies and to submit annual reports beginning Jan. 1, 2025, with the reporting provision inoperative Jan. 1, 2029.
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | California |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Strength | Limited |
| Enacted | October 13, 2023 |
| Citation | Cal. Gov. Code 11546.45.5 (AB 302, Stats. 2023) |
| Private right of action | No, agency enforcement only |
| Topics | government use of AI · automated decision-making |
| Statute | California Government Code Section 11546.45.5 (high-risk automated decision systems: inventory) |
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