California county introduces new policy: companies using robots must offer equal pay or severance and training

On September 18, 2026, the Santa Mateo County Board of Supervisors approved a groundbreaking robot licensing policy, establishing a regulatory framework for companies using autonomous AI-controlled robots. The initiative, proposed by Supervisor Ray Muller, addresses both public safety concerns, such as battery fire risks, and the impact of automation on workers. Companies using robots in human-accessible areas—equipped with cameras, sensors, and lithium batteries—must now apply for licenses. The process requires safety disclosures, manufacturer details, and economic and labor impact assessments. For displaced workers, firms must choose between reemployment at equal pay, 60-day notice with severance, or paying a new 'county automation impact fee' to a local fund for retraining. The fee aims to offset social costs of automation by funding job training for affected employees. The policy marks a significant step in regulating the ethical and economic implications of AI-driven automation, ensuring businesses contribute to workforce adaptation. This approach reflects growing global attention to balancing technological advancement with labor protections, as seen in similar initiatives in other regions.