A “safe and ethical framework” for artificial intelligence (AI) service providers operating in the state is the goal of two legislation proposed by California State Senator Steve Padilla (D) on January 3.
The first of the two bills, Senate Bill 892, would compel the Department of Technology in California to set safety, privacy, and nondiscrimination guidelines for AI services offered within the state.Should Padilla’s bill be approved, it would forbid the state from entering into any AI-related contracts beginning on August 1, 2025, in the event that the supplier of those services fails to satisfy the established requirements.Senate Bill 893 would mandate the establishment of an AI research hub within the state by the Department of Technology, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, and the Government Operations Agency.
According to Padilla’s proposal, “the hub should further the research, development, deployment, and application of AI technology for the public good.”
“We are proud of California’s heritage as a center for technological vision and enforcing ethical, safe standards […] But we cannot allow a few monopolies to control the future of AI. This is a public good that must benefit all in our society, and we must make public investments to prevent a few billionaires controlling our future.”
He claimed, that the legislation under consideration will assist in preventing a small number of businesses from monopolizing AI in the future.
“This is a public good that must benefit all in our society,” he said, “and we must make public investments to prevent a few billionaires controlling our future.”
Following a recent initiative by California Governor Gavin Newsom, these two bill proposals seek to mandate generative AI training for all Californians.Assembly member Ash Kalra submitted a bill in September 2023 that would require work contracts to contain informed permission for digital AI replications, with the goal of protecting actors, artists, and entertainers.These events are all related to the executive order that the Biden administration released establishing new federal AI safety regulations.Six guidelines for AI safety and security as well as its moral application in governance were outlined in the executive order.Industry insiders were concerned that the executive order’s ambiguity would pose difficulties for corporations engaged in technological development.
Padilla’s plan may cause similar worries because California is home to many of the AI-forward companies developing in the state as well as the renowned Silicon Valley.But no formal records have been made available as of yet.Later this year, the Senate will consider and vote on Padilla’s proposed legislation.Cointelegraph inquired about the proposed legislation with Senator Padilla’s office.