California AI Defenses in Litigation (AB 316)
In effect since
Overview
Prohibits defendants in civil actions from asserting that AI acted autonomously as a defense for harm caused through development, modification, or use of AI. Other affirmative defenses including causation and foreseeability remain available.
This is an AI-specific state law.
California AI regulation guide lists every tracked rule for this jurisdiction with timelines and obligation tallies.
Who this applies to
This regulation applies to both companies that build AI products and companies that use AI tools from other vendors.
AI categories covered
- General purpose AI
What this requires you to do
Prohibited practices
Prohibited practices. Review this obligation in the source text.
Enforcement and penalties
Modifies available defenses in civil litigation. No standalone penalties.
Legislative history
How this law got here
Latest
effectiveTakes effect
Earliest
Source
Read the full text
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB316
Last verified: April 9, 2026
Always verify current language and amendments at the official source.
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