California lawmakers just made a bold move by approving AI safety bill SB 53, setting the stage for stricter rules on how large AI companies operate. The legislation now heads to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk, but uncertainty looms — he could still veto it.
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What SB 53 Means for AI Companies
SB 53, authored by State Senator Scott Wiener, is designed to bring transparency and accountability to AI development. If signed into law, the bill would:
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Require major AI labs to disclose their safety protocols.
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Provide whistleblower protections for employees.
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Create a public cloud project, CalCompute, to expand compute access.
Wiener explained that the bill reflects lessons learned from earlier efforts and incorporates advice from an AI policy panel assembled by Newsom himself.
Why Newsom’s Signature Isn’t Guaranteed
Even though California lawmakers passed AI safety bill SB 53, there’s no guarantee it will become law. Newsom has previously shown hesitation on broad AI regulations.
Last year, he vetoed a more expansive safety bill from Wiener, arguing that it applied strict standards to all large models — even those not handling sensitive data or critical decisions. Instead, he opted to support narrower measures targeting issues like deepfakes.
What’s Different This Time
This version of SB 53 attempts to strike a balance between innovation and oversight. One key amendment ensures that companies working on frontier AI models but earning under $500 million annually will only need to disclose high-level safety details, easing the burden on smaller developers.
By tailoring requirements, lawmakers hope to win Newsom’s approval while still protecting the public from risks posed by advanced AI systems.
The Bigger Picture for AI Regulation
California’s role as a tech hub makes SB 53 significant beyond state borders. If Newsom signs the bill, it could set a precedent for AI governance in the U.S. and influence federal discussions on AI safety.
However, a veto would leave the future of AI oversight in California uncertain, raising questions about how best to balance innovation with public safety.
What Happens Next
The decision now rests with Governor Newsom. Supporters argue that SB 53 provides much-needed guardrails without stifling innovation, while critics warn that even targeted regulations could slow down AI progress.
Whether signed or vetoed, this moment highlights the growing urgency of addressing AI’s risks as technology continues to advance at breakneck speed.
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