California Governor Vetoes Landmark AI Safety Bill
In a significant setback for efforts to regulate the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence industry, California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a landmark bill aimed at establishing first-in-the-nation safety measures for large AI models.
The bill, SB 1047, would have required companies to test their AI models and publicly disclose safety protocols, as well as provide whistleblower protections to workers. Supporters argued that the legislation would pave the way for AI safety regulations across the country.
Governor Newsom expressed concerns that the proposal could have a chilling effect on the industry. In his veto statement, he noted that the bill did not adequately consider whether an AI system is deployed in high-risk environments or involves critical decision-making.
The decision comes amid fierce opposition from startups, tech giants, and several Democratic House members. Critics, including former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, argued that the bill would stifle innovation and discourage investment in large models.
State Senator Scott Weiner, the bill’s author, called the veto a setback for oversight of massive corporations. “Voluntary commitments from the industry are not enforceable and rarely work out well for the public,” Weiner stated.
Instead of the bill, Newsom announced a state partnership with industry experts, including AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, to develop guardrails around powerful AI models. The governor emphasized protecting California’s status as a global leader in AI.
The veto marks another win for big tech companies and AI developers in California. Two other sweeping AI proposals died ahead of a legislative deadline last month. However, the state is still considering new rules against AI discrimination in hiring practices and has signed laws to crack down on election deepfakes and protect Hollywood workers from unauthorized AI use.
On a broader scale, the United States is already behind Europe in regulating AI to limit risks. While the California proposal wasn’t as comprehensive as European regulations, experts viewed it as a potential first step towards more robust oversight.
As the debate over AI regulation continues, the bill’s veto is inspiring lawmakers in other states to take up similar measures, signaling that the push for AI safety and accountability is far from over.
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