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AI assessment rules and implementation
The class of AI developers, deployers and operators whose systems can be assessed. Enacted SB813 preserves operation without engaging an IVO; it permits market-rate assessment fees independent of the result.
This entry represents the AI developers, deployers and operators whose systems can be assessed under California's SB813 framework. It is a class of potential assessment clients. The law was signed in September 2026, generally takes effect in January 2027, and gives GovOps a January 2028 deadline for developing the independent-verifier designation criteria.
The financial arrangement is explicit: an assessed company may pay a verifier market rates, while the verifier's fee cannot depend on the assessment result. That creates a paid professional relationship whose independence must be maintained. The legislation also expressly preserves the ability to operate without engaging an IVO, an important limit when describing what the assessment framework requires.
The structural question is how client needs, assessor standards and regulatory recognition will interact in practice. AB1405 separately regulates entry into the covered audit-provider market from January 2029. Future contracts and designation rules will show what access companies give evaluators and what buyers receive for their assessment fees.
Assessment updated 2026-09-13
SB813 assessed developer/deployer/operator → SB813 independent-verifier role
Event or period: 2026-09-09; checked 13 September 2026
The enacted criteria allow the assessed party to pay an IVO at reasonable market rates while requiring independence and forbidding fees contingent on the assessment result.
California SB813 — enacted September 2026 → SB813 assessed developer/deployer/operator
Event or period: 2026-09-09; checked 13 September 2026
Section8898.4 does not require engagement of an IVO or a covered audit as a condition of developing, deploying or operating an AI system.
Fathom and California SB 813: verification authority and its limits ↗
SB813 assessed developer/deployer/operator → May pay market rates; outcome-contingent fees barred → SB813 independent-verifier role
Event or period: 2026-09-09; checked 13 September 2026
The enacted criteria allow the assessed party to pay an IVO at reasonable market rates while requiring independence and forbidding fees contingent on the assessment result.
California SB813 — enacted September 2026 → Preserves ability to operate without this audit route → SB813 assessed developer/deployer/operator
Event or period: 2026-09-09; checked 13 September 2026
Section8898.4 does not require engagement of an IVO or a covered audit as a condition of developing, deploying or operating an AI system.