News April 22 2026

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April 22, 2026 — Daily digest of AI law developments.

This article consolidates 8 news stories from April 22, 2026.

Contents

1. Blackburn Trump America AI Act Momentum April 2. California AB 2027 AI Worker Data 3. California AB 2653 Sweatfree AI Code 4. California AB 2713 AI Transparency Act Adjustment 5. California AI Bills Advance to Appropriations 6. California AI Bills Committee April 22 7. California Appropriations Advances AI Bills April 8. California SB 1142 Digital Dignity Act Judiciary

Blackburn Trump America AI Act Momentum April

'Blackburn Announces Momentum for TRUMP AMERICA AI Act with Industry Endorsements

On April 22, 2026, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) announced growing momentum for her TRUMP AMERICA AI Act discussion draft, highlighting endorsements from conservative leaders, creative community advocates, and child protection groups.[1]

Background

The TRUMP AMERICA AI Act discussion draft was originally released on March 18, 2026, to codify President Trump's December 11, 2025 Executive Order establishing a national AI policy framework.[2][3]

The legislation aims to create a single federal rulebook for AI that addresses six core objectives from the White House framework: protecting children, safeguarding communities, supporting creators, preventing censorship, enabling innovation, and developing an AI-ready workforce.[1]

Blackburn Statement

Senator Blackburn stated:

President Trump's AI framework rightfully calls on Congress to create one rulebook for AI that protects children, safeguards American communities, supports creators, prevents censorship, enables innovation, and develops an AI-ready workforce. Now, it's Congress' turn to develop the White House framework into legislation that can pass both the House and Senate so that we can codify President Trump's agenda, protect Americans, and unleash AI innovation.[1]

Industry and Advocacy Endorsements

The April 22 announcement highlighted support from organizations focused on the "4 Cs" — children, creators, conservatives, and communities:

Daniel Colson, Executive Director of the AI Policy Network, praised the bill's provisions for collecting data on adverse AI incidents and creating AI testbeds for national standards development. Colson stated: The TRUMP AMERICA AI Act enhances and encourages accountability in AI development... The United States leads the world in AI. This legislation extends our competitive advantage while preparing for AI systems of unprecedented scope and capability.[1]

Donna Rice Hughes, CEO/President of Enough Is Enough, endorsed the child protection elements: I applaud Senator Blackburn for her leadership on this important matter for the sake of the children, America and advancing the Golden Digital Age.[1]

RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) expressed gratitude for the bill's copyright protections: RIAA is deeply grateful to Senator Marsha Blackburn for putting forward a national rulebook in her America-first AI discussion draft. This legislation offers a thoughtful and comprehensive framework to advance American AI innovation while ensuring that the creators indispensable to our culture are protected from having their work used in unlicensed training... It safeguards all Americans against nonconsensual deepfakes and voice clones.[1]

Legislative Context

The TRUMP AMERICA AI Act incorporates provisions from Blackburn's previous legislation, including the Kids Online Safety Act and the NO FAKES Act, which address child safety online and nonconsensual AI-generated depictions.[1][4]

The bill is positioned as a response to the "patchwork of state laws" that have emerged following California's AI regulations, with federal preemption provisions designed to provide regulatory certainty for AI developers.[4]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Sen. Marsha Blackburn, "What They Are Saying: Blackburn Announces Growing Momentum for Trump America AI Act" (April 22, 2026)
  2. ↑ Sen. Marsha Blackburn, "Blackburn Releases Discussion Draft of National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence" (March 18, 2026)
  3. ↑ White House, "National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence" (March 20, 2026)
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Wiley Rein LLP, "White House and Blackburn Introduce Visions of Comprehensive Federal AI Policy" (March 28, 2026)

See individual article: Blackburn Trump America AI Act Momentum April

California AB 2027 AI Worker Data

April 22, 2026 — California AB 2027 Advances to Appropriations, Banning Employer Use of Worker Data to Train Replacement AI

The California Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection approved Assembly Bill 2027 on April 22, 2026, sending the bill to the Appropriations Committee. Introduced by Assembly Member Ward, AB 2027 prohibits employers from using a worker's personal information to train AI systems designed to replicate, automate, or replace that worker's job functions.

Key Provisions

  • Worker data protection: Prohibits employers from using a worker's personal information to train AI systems intended to replicate, automate, or replace a worker's job duties.[1]
  • Data sale restriction: Prevents the sale of worker personal information to third parties for the purpose of training AI systems that could replicate or replace worker functions.[1]

Legislative Progress

AB 2027 was approved by the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection and sent to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations on April 22, 2026.[1]

Context

AB 2027 is part of a broader package of California AI bills advancing in April 2026, alongside AB 2713 (AI Transparency Act adjustment), AB 2653 (Sweatfree AI Code of Conduct), and AB 2575 (AI in healthcare). The legislation responds to growing concerns about AI-driven workforce displacement and the use of employee data — including performance metrics, communications, and work product — to develop automation tools that could replace the workers who generated that data.[1]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 AI Legislative Update April 24, 2026 — Transparency Coalition

See individual article: California AB 2027 AI Worker Data

California AB 2653 Sweatfree AI Code

April 22, 2026 — California AB 2653 Sweatfree AI Code of Conduct Advances Through Assembly Committees

Two California Assembly committees have approved Assembly Bill 2653, which establishes a Sweatfree AI Code of Conduct for state contracts involving AI products that require data enrichment services. The bill addresses growing concerns about labor exploitation in AI training data supply chains.

Key Provisions

AB 2653 adds AI product contracts requiring data enrichment services to existing contractor responsibility programs, imposing several new requirements on vendors supplying AI products to the state:

  • Certification requirement: Bidders on state AI contracts must certify that nothing furnished to the state has been laundered or produced by sweatshop labor, forced labor, or other prohibited labor practices.[1]
  • Sweatfree AI Code of Conduct: The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) must develop and implement a Sweatfree AI Code of Conduct by July 1, 2027, to be signed by all bidders on state contracts and subcontracts.[2]
  • Advisory panel: An advisory panel must be established with a majority of members being trade union and civil society organization experts who volunteer their time to help develop the code.[1]
  • Independent monitoring: The code must establish a process for independent monitoring and complaint investigations conducted by the DIR, bona fide labor organizations, or nonprofit organizations meeting specific governance criteria.[1]
  • Subcontractor requirements: Contractors must ensure their subcontractors adhere to the Sweatfree AI Code of Conduct requirements where applicable laws are absent or insufficient.[1]

Legislative Progress

AB 2653 was approved by two Assembly committees before being sent to Appropriations:

  • Assembly Committee on Labor and Employment: Approved 11-1 on April 8, 2026[2]
  • Assembly Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection: Approved on April 22, 2026[2]

Following these approvals, the bill was sent to the Assembly Committee on Appropriations on April 22, 2026, with a recommendation to the consent calendar.[2]

Context

AB 2653 is believed to be the first US legislation to specifically address labor conditions in AI data enrichment supply chains. Workers who label, annotate, and curate training data for AI systems — often based in East Africa and Southeast Asia — have reported low wages, psychological harm from exposure to violent content, and poor working conditions. The bill extends California's existing Sweatfree Code of Conduct framework, which previously covered goods and services, to explicitly include AI products.[1]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 AB 2653 Bill Text — CalMatters Digital Democracy
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 AI Legislative Update April 24, 2026 — Transparency Coalition

See individual article: California AB 2653 Sweatfree AI Code

California AB 2713 AI Transparency Act Adjustment

April 22, 2026 — California AB 2713 Advances to Assembly Floor, Adjusting AI Transparency Act Provenance Requirements

The California Assembly Policy and Procedure Committee approved Assembly Bill 2713 by a 15-0 vote on April 22, 2026, ordering the bill to third reading on the Assembly floor. The legislation adjusts the California AI Transparency Act (SB 942, operative August 2, 2026) by broadening how online platforms must handle AI content provenance data and increasing civil penalties.

Key Changes to the AI Transparency Act

AB 2713 modifies several provisions of SB 942, which requires large online platforms to display provenance data and digital signatures indicating AI-generated content:

  • Disclosure language: Changes the requirement from displaying whether provenance data or digital signatures "are available" to whether they "are embedded into, attached to, or otherwise associated with the content," broadening the scope of what platforms must disclose.[1]
  • Inspection of provenance data: Expands inspection access beyond data compliant with specific standards bodies to any system provenance data embedded in or associated with content, allowing inspection via: (1) direct display in the platform's UI, (2) downloadable content with attached data, or (3) links to data on the platform's site or third-party apps.[1][2]
  • Prohibition on stripping data: Revises the ban on stripping provenance data to specifically prohibit removing such data "downloaded from the platform," closing a potential loophole in the original act.[1]
  • Civil penalties: Increases the per-violation civil penalty to $5,500.[1]

Legislative Progress

AB 2713 was approved by the Assembly Policy and Procedure Committee on April 22, 2026 (15-0) and ordered to third reading. The bill aims to broaden detection and access to provenance data beyond strict standards compliance, addressing concerns that the original SB 942 requirements were too narrow in how platforms could present AI content metadata.[2]

Context

AB 2713 is one of several California AI bills advancing through the legislature in April 2026. Other bills moving forward include AB 2575 (AI in healthcare), AB 2653 (Sweatfree AI Code of Conduct), and AB 2027 (worker data protection). The California Legislature is intensifying committee hearings as key appropriations deadlines approach.[2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 AB 2713 Bill Text — CalMatters Digital Democracy
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 AI Legislative Update April 24, 2026 — Transparency Coalition

See individual article: California AB 2713 AI Transparency Act Adjustment

California AI Bills Advance to Appropriations

On April 22, 2026, several California artificial intelligence bills advanced from policy committees to the Assembly Appropriations Committee, moving to the fiscal phase of the legislative process.[1]

Bills Advancing

AB 2027 (Ward) — Worker Data Protection

Assembly Bill 2027, authored by Assemblymember Matt Ward (D-San Diego), would restrict California local government employers from using worker data to train AI systems that could automate or replace jobs. The bill specifically prohibits the use of employee data for training AI tools when the goal is to eventually automate that job.[2]

The bill passed the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee and now moves to Appropriations for fiscal review.

AB 2575 (Ortega) — AI in Health Care

Assembly Bill 2575, authored by Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-San Leandro), establishes safeguards for AI and clinical decision support systems in health care settings. The bill:

  • Prohibits AI developers from evading liability by claiming a health care worker's failure to override an AI output severs their liability for harm caused
  • Mandates transparency notices requiring health facilities to inform users how AI tools work, their limitations, data sources, and known risks
  • Protects workers' rights to override AI outputs based on their professional judgment without employer retaliation
  • Requires patient disclaimers when generative AI is used for clinical communications[3]

Hospital groups have opposed the bill as overly broad.[4]

AB 2653 (Lee) — Sweatfree AI Code of Conduct

Assembly Bill 2653, authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee (D-San Jose), extends California's existing Sweatfree Code of Conduct to state contracts involving AI products that require data enrichment services. The bill:

  • Mandates the Department of Industrial Relations to update its contractor responsibility program by July 1, 2027
  • Requires bidders on relevant state contracts to certify no goods are produced by sweatshop labor, forced labor, or exploitative labor laundering in AI data enrichment supply chains
  • Defines sweatshop labor as work violating minimum standards on wages, safe conditions, discrimination/harassment, and just cause termination
  • Establishes an advisory panel (majority from trade unions and civil society) to help develop the code
  • Requires independent monitoring of complaints by DIR, labor organizations, or qualifying nonprofits[5]

The bill targets exploitative labor often found in global AI data labeling supply chains.

Earlier Committee Advancement: SB 1142

Senate Bill 1142, the Digital Dignity Act authored by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), also advanced from committee earlier in April 2026. The bill:

  • Strengthens penalties for defamation or false impersonation using AI-generated digital replicas
  • Requires large online platforms creating and hosting generative AI content to provide mechanisms for individuals to remove unauthorized digital replicas
  • Imposes enhanced liability including liquidated damages of $1,000 or actual damages for each violation by distributors with actual knowledge
  • Requires generative AI providers to maintain records for at least 90 days to comply with court orders
  • Enables enforcement by city attorneys or the Attorney General[6]

The Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee advanced SB 1142 after debate over free speech and takedown rules.[7]

Next Steps

All four bills now move to the Appropriations Committee, the final committee hurdle before potential floor votes. The Appropriations Committee will review the fiscal impact of each bill before determining whether they advance to the full Assembly (for AB measures) or Senate (for SB 1142).

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Transparency Coalition - AI Legislative Update April 24, 2026
  2. ↑ California AB 2027 - TrackBill
  3. ↑ California AB 2575 - Digital Democracy
  4. ↑ California AB 2575 Legislative Analysis
  5. ↑ California AB 2653 - Digital Democracy
  6. ↑ California Senate Press Release - SB 1142
  7. ↑ Citizen Portal - Digital Dignity Act Committee Action

See individual article: California AI Bills Advance to Appropriations

California AI Bills Committee April 22

April 22, 2026 — California Advances Wave of AI Bills Through Committees, Covering Healthcare, Chatbot Safety, Workers, and Provenance

California's legislative committees advanced a significant number of AI-related bills on April 21–22, 2026, as the spring committee hearing season moves into high gear in Sacramento. The bills cover AI in healthcare, chatbot safety, worker protections, content provenance, advertising disclosure, and personal data rights.[1]

Healthcare AI

AB 1979, sponsored by Assemblymember Bonta, concerns the use of AI in healthcare services. Approved by the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection and sent to Appropriations on April 22.[1]

AB 2575, sponsored by Assemblymember Ortega, also concerns the use of AI in healthcare. The Committee on Labor and Employment approved it 11-1 on April 8, and the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection approved it on April 22, sending it to Appropriations.[1]

SB 903, sponsored by Senator Padilla and Senator Rubio, concerns the use of AI and transcription of patient information in professional mental health therapy. Now with Senate Rules Committee, with a hearing set for April 13.[1]

Chatbot Safety

AB 1609, sponsored by Assemblymember Zbur, concerns customer service chatbots. Approved by Privacy and Consumer Protection and sent to Appropriations on April 22.[1]

AB 1988, the Preventing AI User Self Endangerment (PAUSE) Act sponsored by Assemblymember Pellerin, concerns AI chatbot safety. Approved by the Health Committee and sent to Appropriations on April 22.[1]

AB 2023 and SB 1119 are companion bills concerning chatbots and children's safety. AB 2023 was approved by the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection on April 21, sent to Assembly Appropriations. The Senate version, SB 1119, was approved by Senate Judiciary and referred to Appropriations on April 21. Sponsored by Assemblymembers Bauer-Kahan and Wicks, and Senator Padilla.[1]

SB 867, sponsored by Senator Padilla and others, would prohibit the inclusion of companion chatbots in toys. Approved by the Committee on Privacy, Digital Tech, and Consumer Protection on April 7, sent to Appropriations, placed on suspense on April 20.[1]

Worker Protections

AB 1883, sponsored by Assemblymember Bryan, is a workplace surveillance bill. Passed by the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection on April 20, sent to Appropriations.[1]

AB 1898, sponsored by Assemblymember Schultz, would require employers to provide written notice to employees when a workplace AI tool is used to assist in employment-related decisions or to surveil the workplace. Approved by the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection on March 25, sent to Judiciary Committee.[1]

SB 947, sponsored by Senator McNerney and Senator Reyes, would establish worker protections regarding the use of AI and automated decision systems. Sent to Appropriations on April 22.[1]

SB 951, sponsored by Senator Reyes, is a digital displacement notice bill requiring 90-day notice from covered employers before any technological displacement affecting 25% or more of the workforce. Approved by the Labor Committee on April 8 and by the Privacy and Digital Tech Committee on April 21, sent to Appropriations.[1]

Content Provenance and Digital Replicas

SB 1111, sponsored by Senator Ashby, concerns AI and digital replicas. The bill clarifies that false impersonation includes the use of a digital replica with the intent to impersonate another. Approved by the Public Safety Committee on April 22.[1]

SB 1146, sponsored by Senator Gonzalez, adds AI provisions to existing false advertising law around health-related consumer products. Passed by the Senate Privacy/Digital Tech Committee on April 7, passed by the Judiciary Committee on April 15, set for an Appropriations hearing on April 27.[1]

SB 1159, sponsored by Senator Cabaldon, specifies that for purposes of the California Public Records Act, terms like "person" and "member of the public" do not include AI systems, autonomous agents, or robots. Passed by Senate Judiciary on March 24, by Privacy Committee on April 7, ordered to third reading on April 8.[1]

Data Privacy and Consumer Rights

AB 2169, sponsored by Assemblymember Lowenthal, amends the CCPA to require AI model deployers/operators to allow consumers to request a copy of their personal information, contextual data, and social graph, with a five-business-day response requirement. Approved by the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection on March 22, sent to Appropriations.[1]

SB 1104, a data broker registration bill sponsored by Senator Cabaldon, was approved by the Privacy Committee on April 22, sent to Appropriations.[1]

Previously Covered Bills

Several bills that advanced on April 22 have already received dedicated coverage:

  • AB 2027 — Worker data protection
  • AB 2653 — Sweat-free AI Code of Conduct
  • AB 2713 — AI Transparency Act adjustment
  • SB 1142 — Digital Dignity Act

Significance

California remains the most active state legislature on AI regulation in 2026, with over 30 AI-related bills in play. The April 21–22 committee hearings mark a critical inflection point, as bills that advance past Appropriations will move to floor votes in May. The breadth of California's approach — spanning healthcare, worker protections, chatbot safety, content provenance, advertising, and data privacy — contrasts with states that have focused on narrower AI domains.[1][2]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 1.13 1.14 1.15 1.16 1.17 Transparency Coalition, "AI Legislative Update — April 24, 2026"
  2. ↑ Cooley, "State AI Laws: Where Are They Now?," April 24, 2026

See individual article: California AI Bills Committee April 22

California Appropriations Advances AI Bills April

On April 22, 2026, the California Legislature advanced multiple artificial intelligence bills to the Appropriations Committee, representing significant progress on workplace data protection, healthcare AI regulation, and supply chain transparency.[1]

AB 2027

Assembly Bill 2027, introduced by Assemblymember Ward, would prohibit employers from using workers' personal data to train artificial intelligence systems designed to replicate their jobs or to sell such data to third parties.

The bill was approved by the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee and moved to the Appropriations Committee on April 22, 2026.

AB 2575

Assembly Bill 2575, introduced by Assemblymember Ortega, addresses the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare delivery. The bill seeks to establish standards for AI systems used in medical diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

The bill was approved by the Labor and Employment Committee on April 8, 2026, and advanced to Appropriations on April 22, 2026.

AB 2653

Assembly Bill 2653, the Sweat-free AI Code of Conduct, introduced by Assemblymember Lee, would require state AI contractors to certify that their systems were not developed using sweatshop or forced labor. The bill was approved by two committees and sent to Appropriations on April 22, 2026.

SB 1000

Senate Bill 1000, introduced by Senator Becker, addresses AI use in emergency services and public safety contexts. The bill was approved by the Governmental Organization Committee on April 16, 2026.

Context

These advancements come as California continues to lead US states in AI legislation. Earlier in 2026, California enacted bills on deepfake extortion (SB 1015) and established an AI Safety Commission (SB 813).

The bills face review by the Appropriations Committee, which will assess their fiscal impact before potential floor votes.

See Also

References

  1. ↑ Transparency Coalition: AI Legislative Update, April 24, 2026

See individual article: California Appropriations Advances AI Bills April

California SB 1142 Digital Dignity Act Judiciary

California's SB 1142, the Digital Dignity Act, sponsored by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on April 22, 2026, advancing to the Appropriations Committee. The bill was re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee on April 23, 2026, following second reading and amendment. The bill extends protections against unauthorized AI-generated digital replicas to all California residents and imposes new obligations on large online platforms.[1][2]

Background

Senator Becker introduced SB 1142 on February 19, 2026, building on his prior California AI Transparency Act (SB 942, signed in 2024). The bill addresses gaps in existing California law, which primarily protects performers and deceased individuals from unauthorized use of their likeness, by extending digital replica protections to all residents.[2]

Key Provisions

Revocation Mechanism

Platforms must provide a tool for users to revoke access to their digital replica created by others at any time. A court order can enforce revocation requests.[2][1]

Terms of Service and Reporting

Platforms' terms must prohibit unlawful digital replicas and must establish a reporting mechanism and response process for violations.[2]

Takedown Requirements

Upon court order, platforms must remove or cease distribution of violating content within two business days.[2]

Enhanced Liability

The bill adds penalties for distributors with actual knowledge of replicas violating criminal impersonation, defamation, or right-of-publicity laws.[2]

Recordkeeping

Generative AI providers must retain records for at least 90 days to comply with court orders from city attorneys or the Attorney General.[2]

Clarification of Crimes

SB 1142 explicitly includes digital replicas in false impersonation laws under California Penal Code, making it clear that using a digital replica to impersonate someone constitutes fraud.[2]

Legislative History

  • February 19, 2026: Introduced by Senator Becker[1]
  • April 6-7, 2026: Heard in Senate Privacy, Digital Technologies, and Consumer Protection Committee[2]
  • April 22, 2026: Passed Senate Judiciary Committee 12-0; sent to Appropriations[2]

Criticism

Groups including the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) have raised First Amendment concerns, arguing that the notice-and-takedown process risks over-removal of protected speech like satire without judicial review.[2]

Related Bills

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 California SB 1142 Bill Text
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 Transparency Coalition, "AI Legislative Update — April 24, 2026"

See individual article: California SB 1142 Digital Dignity Act Judiciary

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