California AI Definition Act (AB 2885)
Effective date
Penalty
Definitional statute. No standalone penalties.
Obligations mapped
4 obligations
Overview
Standardizes the legal definition of artificial intelligence across all California law. Defines AI as an engineered or machine-based system that varies in its level of autonomy and can infer from input how to generate outputs that influence physical or virtual environments. Mirrors the OECD AI definition.
This is an AI-specific state law.
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Who this applies to
This regulation applies to the following roles:
- Developers of covered AI systems
- Deployers and users of covered AI systems
- Organizations operating in California
This regulation applies to both companies that build AI products and companies that use AI tools from other vendors.
AB 2885
AI categories covered
- General purpose AI
What this requires you to do
4 obligations identified from statutory analysis.
Gov. Code 11546.45.5(d)
Gov. Code 53083.1(d)(6), (e), (g)
Gov. Code 11546.45.5(a)(1); Bus. & Prof. Code 22675(b); Educ. Code 75002(a); Gov. Code 11547.5(a)(1); Gov. Code 53083.1(j)(1)
Gov. Code 11546.45.5(b), (c)
Regulation summaries are simplified for readability and may not capture every nuance of the underlying statute. Verify important details against primary sources linked on this page.
Enforcement and penalties
Definitional statute. No standalone penalties.
Penalty amounts are based on statutory text and may be subject to adjustment, judicial interpretation, or enforcement discretion.
Legislative history
effective
Takes effect
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California AI regulation guide lists every tracked rule for this jurisdiction with timelines and obligation tallies.
Regulation summaries are simplified for readability and may not capture every nuance of the underlying statute. Verify important details against primary sources linked on this page.