Yesterday, Governor Newsom launched AskCA, a new AI chatbot designed as a “single entry point” to help Californians access state and government services easier.
The service now exists as a pilot that anyone can sign up to use and test, helping to improve the bot’s responses. It’s designed to pull information specifically from legitimate and accurate government sources.
CA’s Office of Data and Innovation built AskCA in the wake of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, in an effort to “deliver services faster, reduce administrative complexity, and connect people to the right resources without unnecessary barriers,” according to Secretary of the Government Operations Agency, Nick Maduros.
The tool is meant to help Californians navigate a range of life events, including finding a job, starting a business, family services, and disaster recovery.
“When a Californian needs help, they shouldn’t have to become an expert in government to find it,” said Newsom.
“We’re using the best technology California has to offer to make government more efficient, effective, and more engaged — meeting people where they are, making it easier to navigate services, and ultimately delivering stronger results worthy of their tax dollars.”
🌐 Learn more: ask.ca.gov
California introduces “first-in-the-nation” AI safeguards
AskCA launched on the same day as two new California bills designed around AI safety, third-party evaluation, and audits.
The bills come in response to recent news and renewed national discourse about the threat of advanced AI to humanity. Both of the bills have the support of Anthropic and OpenAI, according to Politico.
Senator Jerry McNerney (D – Pleasanton) introduced Senate Bill 813, which calls for verification organizations to independently assess AI systems for compliance with state law.
Simultaneously, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) authored Assembly Bill 1405, which would create a registry and standards for AI auditors.
🌐 Learn more: gov.ca.gov
