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California · State AI law

California SB 942 (AI Transparency Act)

California AI Transparency Act

In force

In force since 2 Aug 2026

Status checked 27 Sep 2026

What it covers

Covered providers — GenAI systems with >1,000,000 monthly users publicly accessible in California. Requires free AI detection tool; manifest and latent content disclosures; 96-hour license revocation for licensee tampering.

Penalties and enforcement

Maximum penalty
$5,000 per violation; each day of continued violation is a separate violation; attorneys fees.
Who enforces it
California Attorney General; city attorneys; county counsel

Bill history

SB 942 (signed Sep 19, 2024 — Gov. Newsom); start date delayed by AB 853 (signed Oct 2025)

Primary source: leginfo.legislature.ca.gov — SB 942

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AI Compliance Vendors, "California SB 942: California AI Transparency Act," State AI Law Tracker, last checked 27 Sep 2026, https://aicompliancevendors.com/state-ai-law-tracker/california-sb-942

Free to quote and republish under CC BY 4.0 with a link. Spotted an error? Tell us — corrections are made in public.

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Questions

Is California SB 942 in effect?

Yes. California SB 942 has been in force since 2 Aug 2026. Status last checked 27 Sep 2026.

Who enforces California SB 942?

California Attorney General; city attorneys; county counsel.

What are the penalties under California SB 942?

$5,000 per violation; each day of continued violation is a separate violation; attorneys fees.

Who does California SB 942 apply to?

Covered providers — GenAI systems with >1,000,000 monthly users publicly accessible in California. Requires free AI detection tool; manifest and latent content disclosures; 96-hour license revocation for licensee tampering.

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