Environmental Law & Policy Alert – Update from Somach Simmons & Dunn

September 23, 2026

AI at Public Meetings: SB 1159’s Unclear Path to Implementation

In light of increasing concerns about the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in government proceedings, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill (SB) 1159. The bill provides that AI systems, autonomous agents, and robots are excluded from the definition of “persons” who are entitled to take part in governmental processes that are regulated by California’s transparency and governance laws, such as the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act). The bill was enrolled and sent to Governor Gavin Newsom on August 28, 2026.  The Governor has until September 30, 2026, to either sign or veto the bill … Read More

Written by Emily J. Lovell