California SB 574 (2025–2026)

California SB 574 (2025–2026) is a California law governing attorneys' and arbitrators' use of generative artificial intelligence. Governor Gavin Newsom approved it on September 30, 2026, and the Secretary of State chaptered it as Chapter 858 of the Statutes of 2026. The enacted text is a non-urgency measure; its operative provisions should be checked before treating them as presently effective.

Enacted requirements

The law adds Business and Professions Code section 6068.1. It bars an attorney from delegating the practice of law to generative AI. An attorney using it must protect confidential and other nonpublic information from unrestricted systems, take reasonable steps to verify outputs and correct errors, and disclose its use to the court for submitted documents. The amended Code of Civil Procedure section 128.7 requires an attorney responsible for a filing to personally verify its citations, including AI-provided citations.

The law also adds Code of Civil Procedure section 1282.1, prohibiting arbitrators from delegating decision-making to generative AI. An arbitrator must disclose AI-generated information obtained outside the record before relying on it and, as far as practical, allow parties to comment. Other provisions require the Judicial Council to revisit its AI administration standard and modify the State Bar's complaint procedures for certified alternative dispute-resolution providers.

Legislative history and coverage

The Legislature gave final approval on August 31, 2026; Governor Newsom signed it and the Secretary of State chaptered it on September 30. These are separate legislative events.

• California AI Law — state overview and signing package.
• August 31 legislative coverage.
• September 30 signing coverage.
• State legislation directory.