California’s AI Safety Bill faces political obstacles

Significance

However, it has since sat on Governor Gavin Newsom's desk awaiting signature into law amid a political storm that has brought furious opposition from policymakers and parts of Silicon Valley. Despite the approaching deadline to sign the bill by September 30, Newsom commented yesterday that he has yet to make up his mind.

Impacts

• The tech industry will use increases to its already powerful lobbying capacity in the state to drive its continued opposition to SB 1047.
• If the bill is adopted, it is unlikely that AI firms will be driven out of the state.
• Other bills, such as SB 892, regulating state agencies' AI procurement, could encourage safer and more ethical AI services in other sectors.