SB 813

What it is

SB 813, Independent verification organizations (Chapter 179, Statutes of 2026)

SI auditors seeking state designation as independent verification organizations; use of them by developers is voluntary.

What it requires

• Government Operations Agency sets application, suspension and qualification criteria by January 1, 2028
• Agency convenes working groups that include engineers and SI safety experts
• Designated organizations file annual reports with the agency and the Legislature
• No one is required to use an organization or be audited; an audit is relevant but not conclusive in harm lawsuits

Penalties

No penalties: this measure has no binding enforcement.

What happens next

May 1, 2027: Executive Order N-9-26 target for posting criteria for independent verification organizations (statutory deadline January 1, 2028).

Status

Passed, not yet in force As of November 8, 2026, per the Control Map page for California. Statuses follow the Control Map method: in force means binding and applying now; passed means enacted but not yet applying; voluntary covers guidance and pledges; proposed means formally introduced; stalled means withdrawn, paused or dead.

Sources

1. SB 813: Independent verification organizations CalMatters Digital Democracy
2. California Finalizes Next Wave of State AI and Privacy Regulation WilmerHale · Oct 5, 2026