AB-1405 Artificial intelligence: auditors: registration
Sep 27, 2026 edition · GC-2026-0061 · Published 2026-09-27 · Version 2 · Final
AB 1405 sets January 1, 2029 registration for covered third-party AI audits and preserves independence, reporting and recordkeeping safeguards.
What happened
AB 1405 was chaptered September 9 as Chapter 178. By January 1, 2029 the Government Operations Agency must establish an AI Auditor Registry, cost-based annual fees and a misconduct-reporting channel; from that date a person may not offer, sell or conduct a covered AI audit without registration. The definition reaches audits of controls, processes or systems necessary for compliance with state law, performed on behalf of a third party. It is not a general registration requirement for every organization that uses AI or every internal technology review.
Registered auditors must supply business and service information, applicable-law and credential details, and a standard procedure explaining their standards and the basis for accuracy or reliability claims, subject to reasonable trade-secret redactions. They must update materially changed registry information within 90 days, provide supported audit reports addressing scope, findings, remedies and limitations, retain reports and supporting records at least ten years, and follow independence and competence standards. The law includes specified accountancy-professional alternatives, a reasonable chance to cure or contest removal, and protection for employee reporting. Registration expressly does not constitute state endorsement; the January 2029 registry milestone does not delay earlier audit duties under other law.
Scope and timing
- Authority status
- Final
- Applicability
- Operationally relevant
- Audience
- Health systems, Provider networks, Health-tech
- Jurisdiction
- California
- Recorded date
- 2029-01-01
- Date type
- compliance
Why it matters
Organizations buying AI assurance need to examine scope, evidence and independence as well as a future registration number.
Recommended action
Determine whether services constitute covered third-party AI audits, assess auditor independence and reporting practices, and track the agency’s registry process for January 1, 2029 without postponing existing legal duties.
Sources
- AB-1405 Artificial intelligence: auditors: registration, bill historyOfficial · California Legislature · 2026-09-09 · Source review 2026-09-10
- AB-1405 Artificial intelligence: auditors: registration, current bill text (09/09/26 - Chaptered)Official · California Legislature · 2026-09-09 · Source review 2026-09-10
- Official retained source documentOfficial · Official issuing agency · Source review 2026-10-16
- Official retained source documentOfficial · Official issuing agency · Source review 2026-10-16
Complete edition and supplemental material
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