By: Leiann Laiks. Esq.
California State Senator Jerry McNerney (D–Pleasanton) has introduced SB 7, also known as the “No Robo Bosses Act“, was designed to ensure that artificial intelligence doesn’t replace human judgment in critical workplace decisions. The bill seeks to rein in the use of AI-powered automated decision-making systems (ADS) that employers increasingly rely on to hire, discipline, promote, and fire workers—often with no human review.
“AI must remain a tool controlled by humans—not the other way around,” said McNerney, emphasizing that the bill doesn’t ban AI in the workplace but establishes clear guardrails to protect workers and ensure California businesses are not being operated by robo bosses.
The bill is a response to growing concern over the use of “bossware”—AI tools designed to manage productivity, track behavior, and even discipline workers. With more than 550 such products on the market, and 40% of workers reporting some form of automated oversight, labor leaders including Lorena Gonzalez, President of the California Federation of Labor Unions, AFL-CIO, representing over 1,300 unions with 2.3 million union members, calls for human oversight.
SB 7 marks a bold move in regulating AI in employment and, if passed, would make California the first state in the country to legally require “a human in the loop“ for workplace decision-making.
As AI continues to reshape the workplace, having clear legal guidance is more crucial than ever. If you’re navigating concerns around automated management or workplace surveillance, consult an experienced employment law attorney at Strategy Law to understand your rights and obligations.
This blog is written as of July, 2025. Recommendations and legal requirements are changing rapidly, so please continue to review our legal updates or review postings on relevant government websites.
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