California county wants businesses replacing workers with robots to offer equal-pay jobs, severance, or retraining fees

San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted 4-0 for a permit system for companies using autonomous robots. Businesses must disclose robot safety data and choose one of three options for displaced workers: transfer with equal pay, 60-day notice with severance, or contribution to a retraining fund.

• Vote 4-0 for permits for autonomous robots on lithium batteries
• Companies must submit economic impact assessment and worker protection plan
• Three options: equal-pay transfer, 60 days and severance, or fund contribution
• Final adoption expected, effective in 30 days