On January 3, Democratic California State Senator Steve Padilla introduced Senate Bills 892 and 893, which seek to establish a “safe and ethical framework” for artificial intelligence (AI) service providers operating within the state.
Senate Bill 892, the first of the two, would mandate that the California Department of Technology establish safety, privacy, and non-discrimination standards for AI services operating within the state.
Approved, Padilla’s bill would prohibit the state from entering into contracts involving AI services beginning August 1, 2025, if the service provider fails to satisfy the established criteria.
The Department of Technology, the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, and the Government Operations Agency would be required by Senate Bill 893 to establish an AI research center within the state.
“The hub should advance the research, development, deployment, and application of AI technology for the public good,” as stated in Padilla’s proposal.
“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.”
Notwithstanding this, he asserted that the suggested legislation would aid in preventing a handful of firms from monopolizing the future of AI. He stated, “We must make public investments to prevent a handful of billionaires from controlling our future; this is a public good that must benefit all members of our society.”
The California governor, Gavin Newsom, recently introduced a bill mandating generative AI training for all state inhabitants. These two legislative proposals are in line with this proposal.
Ash Kalra, a member of the Assembly, introduced a bill in September 2023 to safeguard performers, artists, and entertainers. The bill requires employment contracts to contain informed assent concerning digital AI replications.
These developments revolve around the Biden administration’s executive order establishing new federal AI safety standards. The executive order set six benchmarks for the ethical utilization and safety of artificial intelligence (AI) within governmental operations.
Industry insiders were apprehensive that the executive order’s ambiguity would cause difficulties for startups developing the technology.
Because California is domicile to the illustrious Silicon Valley and many of the forefront AI-developing companies, Padilla’s bill may generate comparable apprehension. As of now, however, there have yet to be any official publications of documents.
The Senate will discuss Padilla’s proposed measure later this year. Regarding the proposed legislation, Cointelegraph has inquired with the office of Senator Padilla.