AB-2583 • 2026

Office of Small Business Advocate: artificial intelligence.

Small Business Technology

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Hoover (A) , Ahrens
Last action: 2026-04-22
Official status: Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on funding or exact types of assistance beyond general information and training.

AI Help for Main Street

This law requires the Office of Small Business Advocate to provide assistance to small businesses in understanding and using artificial intelligence.

What This Bill Does

Enacts the AI for Main Street Act, which mandates the Office of Small Business Advocate to assist small businesses with evaluating artificial intelligence concerning their operations.
Requires the advocate to provide information, guidance, and training on AI to small businesses.
Allows the advocate to develop training materials related to AI for small businesses.
Encourages the advocate to conduct outreach to help small businesses understand how AI can be used in business operations.

Who It Names or Affects

Small businesses that need assistance with artificial intelligence.
The Office of Small Business Advocate within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.

Terms To Know

Artificial Intelligence (AI): Computer systems that can perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as learning from data or making decisions.
Office of Small Business Advocate: A part of the Governor’s Office in California that advocates for small businesses and represents their interests before other state agencies.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how much funding will be allocated to support these activities.
It is unclear what specific types of AI assistance will be provided beyond general information, guidance, and training.

Bill History

2026-04-22 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on APPR.
2026-04-21 California Legislative Information
Read second time and amended.
2026-04-20 California Legislative Information
From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (April 16).
2026-04-14 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on P. & C.P. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (April 14). Re-referred to Com. on P. & C.P.
2026-04-13 California Legislative Information
(Pending re-refer to Com. on P. & C.P.)
2026-04-13 California Legislative Information
Assembly Rule 56 suspended.
2026-03-09 California Legislative Information
Referred to Coms. on E.D., G., & H.I. and P. & C.P.
2026-02-21 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.
2026-02-20 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2583, as amended, Hoover.
Office of Small Business Advocate: artificial intelligence.
Existing law establishes the Office of Small Business Advocate within the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and prescribes the duties and functions of the Small Business Advocate. Existing law requires the advocate to, among other duties, serve as the principal advocate in the state on behalf of small businesses and to represent the views and interests of small businesses before other state agencies policies and activities of which may affect small businesses.
This bill would enact the AI for Main Street Act, which would require the Small Business Advocate to provide assistance to small businesses in evaluating artificial intelligence concerning operations, including by providing information, guidance, and training, developing training materials, and conducting outreach, as specified.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF