Large companies creating Artificial Intelligence models will need to disclose how they plan to mitigate risks from their emerging technologies.
Senate Bill 53, the Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act, signed on Monday by Governor Gavin Newsom, aims to put in place safeguards to prevent people from using AI models to do things like build weapons or shut down institutions.
California is the home to several leading AI companies, which would be impacted, like Open AI, Alphabet (Google), Meta, and Anthropic. Some industry leaders in opposition argued that having states like California pass laws creates a patchwork approach that is difficult for companies to navigate.
Governor Newsom argued that California is taking action because the federal government has declined to do so. He states, “California has proven that we can establish regulations to protect our communities while also ensuring that the growing AI industry continues to thrive.”
SB 53 was mostly backed by Democrats, but it did have bipartisan support from some Republicans. It passed 59-7 in the Assembly, with Mother Lode Republican David Tangipa among the opposition. In the Senate, it passed 29-8, with Republican Marie Alvarado-Gil also opposed. Assemblyman Heath Flora, who represents communities like Copperopolis, La Grange, and Oakdale, was absent for the vote.
It impacts companies with over $500 million in revenue and requires that they disclose their assessments to the public.
