California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed SB 1047, a bill that sought to regulate large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) systems, stating that it would hinder innovation without adequately addressing real risks associated with the technology.
The bill, introduced by Democratic state senator Scott Weiner, aimed to impose safety testing and oversight measures on AI models, specifically targeting systems that require over $100 million to develop.
Newsom’s decision on September 30 has sparked debate over the future of AI regulation in the state. His administration has faced growing pressure to implement safeguards as AI technology advances. However, Newsom argued that the bill focused too much on existing AI corporations, such as OpenAI and Google, while failing to address the actual threats posed by emerging AI models.
Bill aimed at regulating AI models
The proposed legislation, SB 1047, was one of the first bills in the country to target large-scale AI models. It called for mandatory safety testing, implementing a “kill switch,” and risk mitigation plans for developers of high-cost AI systems. The bill also proposed granting the state attorney general the power to take legal action against companies if their AI systems posed ongoing dangers, such as the potential for AI-driven grid takeovers.
Although current AI models still need to meet the financial threshold outlined in the bill, experts have suggested that such models could emerge within the following year. Proponents of SB 1047 argued that the legislation would pave the way for stronger national AI safety laws, positioning California at the forefront of AI regulation.
Newsom: bill misses the mark on AI dangers
Governor Newsom emphasized that while regulating AI is crucial, there were better approaches than SB 1047. He stated that the bill applied unnecessarily stringent standards to AI models, even in cases where only essential functions were involved. He expressed concerns that these regulations would stifle innovation in Silicon Valley, a hub for AI development.
Newsom’s decision to veto the bill came after significant opposition from tech giants and political figures. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and major AI developers, including OpenAI, voiced concerns that the legislation would impede progress in the field. Despite vetoing the bill, Newsom reaffirmed his commitment to science-based AI regulations, pledging that his administration would continue working toward safety protocols that address the real risks of AI without hindering innovation.
Mixed reactions to the veto
Senator Scott Weiner criticized Newsom’s decision, calling it a setback for public safety and the regulation of large AI corporations. He argued that SB 1047 would have provided crucial oversight over companies developing AI models that could significantly impact society and the environment.
On the other hand, some industry leaders, including Elon Musk, expressed support for the bill’s general goals. Musk, who is developing his own AI model called Grok, admitted in a post on social media that passing SB 1047 was a “tough decision” but necessary for advancing AI safety. Governor Newsom’s veto highlights the tension between encouraging innovation and ensuring public safety as the state grapples with the rapid development of artificial intelligence.