California approves legislation to lay groundwork for AI regulation

The California State Assembly approved SB 1047, a bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) development in the state, Jurist News reported yesterday.

The legislation mandates that developers of “covered models” meet specific conditions before commencing AI training, including implementing safety protocols, shutdown capabilities, and cybersecurity protections. Developers must also report any safety incidents involving these models.

The bill passed with a 49-15 vote, with Senator Scott Weiner stating it represents a proactive step to ensure public safety as AI technology advances. Tesla CEO Elon Musk voiced his support, calling himself an “advocate for AI regulation.” However, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi criticized the bill as “ill-informed” and potentially harmful to consumers.

This move follows rising public safety concerns over AI misuse, echoing similar regulatory efforts by the European Union. The bill now returns to the Senate for final approval before being sent to Governor Gavin Newsom for potential enactment.