Major technology firms, AI startups and researchers are split over whether the legislation would stifle innovation on the rapidly developing technology, or put in place much-needed guardrails.
“All things considered, I think California should probably pass the SB 1047 AI safety bill,” the Tesla and SpaceX CEO wrote on his social platform, X. “For over 20 years, I have been an advocate for AI regulation, just as we regulate any product/technology that is a potential risk to the public.”
Eight California Democrats — Reps. Zoe Lofgren, Anna Eshoo, Ro Khanna, Scott Peters, Tony Cárdenas, Ami Bera, Nanette Díaz Barragán and Lou Correa — also sent a letter to Newsom urging him to veto the bill if it reaches his desk.
“It is somewhat unusual for us, as sitting Members of Congress, to provide views on state legislation,” they wrote. “However, we have serious concerns about SB 1047 … and we felt compelled to make those concerns known to California state policymakers.”
The lawmakers argued that the methods for understanding and mitigating AI risks are “still in their infancy,” noting that the National Institute of Standards and Technology has yet to issue the guidance companies would be required to follow, and that the bill’s compute thresholds “will almost certainly be obsolete” by the time it goes into effect.
