California’s AI Disaster Bill SB 1047 Heads to Governor’s Desk for Signature or Veto Decision

California’s Controversial AI Bill: A Breakdown of SB 1047

The Bill’s Passage and Its Future

A highly contentious California bill, SB 1047, has cleared its final votes in the state Senate and is now on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk. The governor must weigh the potential benefits against the risks associated with regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) models before making a decision. If signed into law, the bill will have far-reaching consequences for the AI industry.

What is SB 1047?

SB 1047 aims to regulate AI models by establishing a new regulatory framework. The bill requires companies that develop and deploy AI models to adhere to specific safety standards, undergo regular audits, and submit to government oversight. The proposed legislation also creates a nine-member Board of Frontier Models, responsible for setting guidelines and enforcing compliance.

Key Provisions

The bill’s provisions can be summarized as follows:

1. Safety Standards: Companies must develop and implement safety protocols to ensure their AI models do not pose risks to users.
2. Audits and Compliance: Developers will be required to undergo regular audits and submit reports on their safety practices, creating a new industry for AI safety compliance.
3. Regulatory Framework: The Board of Frontier Models will establish guidelines and provide recommendations to the government on how to regulate AI models.

The Future of SB 1047

If signed into law, SB 1047 would take effect in phases:

1. 2026: The Bill of Frontier Models would be created, and safety reports from tech companies would be collected.
2. 2026: Companies would be required to hire auditors to assess their safety practices.
3. 2027: The Board of Frontier Models could start issuing guidance on how to safely train and operate AI models.

The Impact of a Veto

If Governor Newsom vetoes the bill, federal regulators are likely to take the lead on regulating AI models. OpenAI and Anthropic have already laid groundwork for federal AI regulation by agreeing to provide early access to their advanced AI models to the AI Safety Institute. This shift could result in less stringent regulations but may also delay implementation.

Conclusion

SB 1047’s passage and potential veto have significant implications for the AI industry. While some argue that regulation is necessary to ensure safety, others fear it will stifle innovation. The outcome of this bill will shape the future of AI development and deployment in California and beyond.

References

• [1] "California’s Controversial AI Bill: A Breakdown of SB 1047" by TechCrunch
• [2] "AI Regulation: What You Need to Know" by Forbes