Gov. Newsom tries to stem massive layoffs with executive order on AI

California Gov. Gavin Newsom ordered state agencies to assess how AI is affecting jobs and to map possible policy responses.

The plan includes a job impact dashboard within 90 days and a broader policy review due by mid-October.

The review will consider worker protections such as severance, unemployment insurance, universal basic income, and retraining.

The move comes as major tech firms, including Meta, Cisco, and Microsoft, continue cutting jobs while shifting toward AI.