Bullet points of Author of Vetoed California AI Bill Says Issue ‘Not Going Away’

Bullet points of Author of Vetoed California AI Bill Says Issue ‘Not Going Away’
- California Senator Scott Wiener plans to continue pushing for AI safety regulations despite Governor Gavin Newsom's veto of the state's artificial intelligence safety bill, SB 1047.
- The bill aimed to hold AI developers accountable for severe harm caused by their technologies, including maintaining a kill switch and opening up AI models to third-party testing.
- Governor Newsom vetoed the bill, citing concerns it would apply 'stringent standards to even the most basic functions' and instead plans to consult with experts to develop 'workable guardrails' on AI technology.
- Senator Wiener believes Newsom's decision to set up a working group and acknowledge the potential for catastrophic risks represents 'a big step forward' and plans to continue engaging with the governor and others on the issue.
- California is seen as a leader in AI innovation and has a responsibility to lead on AI safety, according to Senator Wiener.
- The vetoed bill drew criticism from some prominent Democrats and major tech firms, including former House speaker Nancy Pelosi and venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz, who warned it could stall innovation in the state.
- Senator Wiener declined to say whether he would reintroduce the bill in the next session, but plans to continue working on the issue, especially as Congress has made little progress toward federal AI legislation.