California Policymakers Drill Down on AI Safety in the Absence of Federal Leadership
SACRAMENTO – Today, the Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee #4 on State Administration and General Government, chaired by Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) and Standing Committee on Governmental Organization, chaired by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa) held informational hearing to discuss ethical and safety concerns regarding the development and use of artificial intelligence.
The committees heard from tech industry leaders, academic experts, and representatives from the California Department of Technology as well as the California Government Operations Agency, on a range of topics including government procurement of AI services, the data and energy costs of AI applications, and internal development practices of computing firms creating these technologies.
“The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence capabilities and application paired with Congressional torpor means California needs to step up and lead the nation once again,” said Senator Padilla. “As companies develop the cutting edge of this technology, we must be sure the guardrails around its use are built with California values.”
“California has long been at the forefront of global advancements in technology, research and education,” Sen. Dodd said. “With AI, we now find ourselves at the beginning of a new era -- one that is certain to impact nearly every aspect of our lives. We must continue to develop a meaningful response to these new challenges without stifling the spirit of innovation that distinguishes our state.”
Senator Padilla has introduced a legislative package designed to leverage California’s economic power to both develop a public artificial intelligence resource (SB 893) and the creation of a safe and ethical framework for AI service providers contracting with the state (SB 892), one of the nation’s largest purchasers of technology services. Both bills will be heard in Senate G.O. in the near future.
A recording of the hearing can be found here.
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Steve Padilla represents the 18th Senate District, which includes the communities of Chula Vista, Coachella, El Centro, Imperial Beach, National City, and San Diego. Prior to his election to the Senate in 2022, Senator Padilla was the first person of color ever elected to city office in Chula Vista, the first Latino Mayor, and the first openly LGBT person to serve or be elected to city office. Website of Senator Steve Padilla: https://sd18.senate.ca.gov/