California's New 2026 Laws: AI, Privacy, and Public Records – What You Need to Know

As we usher in a new year, California is once again at the forefront of legal evolution. The California Courts Newsroom recently highlighted several significant new laws taking effect in 2026, and as an attorney deeply committed to my clients' rights, I want to ensure you understand their implications.

AI Accountability and Transparency in Criminal Justice

One area I'm particularly focused on is how California is addressing the rapidly expanding role of Artificial Intelligence. Assembly Bill (AB) 316, for instance, takes a firm stance, treating AI as a tool rather than an independent agent. By refusing to let developers or users blame 'autonomous' AI behavior, California is effectively setting a national precedent. This is a significant move, emphasizing human accountability even when technology is involved. From my perspective, this clarity is crucial; it means individuals and entities using AI are ultimately responsible for its actions, a principle that is vital for fairness and justice.

Complementing this is Senate Bill (SB) 524, which mandates that police disclose the use of AI in their reports. This transparency is a critical step, especially given the documented risks of algorithmic bias in criminal justice. We've seen how evolving technology challenges our traditional notions of privacy, as highlighted in landmark cases like Riley v. California, 573 U.S. 373 (2014), concerning digital data on cell phones, and Carpenter v. United States, 585 U.S. ___ (2018), regarding cell-site location information. SB 524 aims to bring much-needed scrutiny to AI's role in policing, ensuring that these powerful tools are used fairly and without disproportionately impacting any community. My concern is always to ensure these technologies don't erode fundamental rights or introduce new forms of bias into our legal system.

Navigating Privacy and Public Access to Records

California is also making significant adjustments to how it views personal privacy versus public access to information. Senate Bill (SB) 59 makes name and gender-change petitions confidential and removes the public objection process. This reflects a progressive shift, acknowledging the deeply personal nature of gender identity and protecting individuals during what can be a sensitive and vulnerable process. It signals a clear move towards viewing gender identity as a private, rather than public, matter, which I believe is a step in the right direction for individual autonomy.

In contrast, Assembly Bill (AB) 1524 moves in the opposite direction for general court records. This new law makes court records more accessible by allowing people to copy them for free with their smartphones. While SB 59 grants more privacy in specific cases, AB 1524 broadens public access to general court proceedings. This tension between privacy and transparency is a constant in our legal system, and understanding where these lines are drawn is essential for anyone interacting with California courts.

Your Takeaway

These new laws represent substantial shifts in California's legal landscape. Whether it's the accountability for AI, the transparency of police technology, or the delicate balance between personal privacy and public access to records, these changes can directly affect you. Staying informed is your first line of defense. If you have questions about how these new laws might impact your rights or a specific situation, don't hesitate to seek professional legal guidance.