Senator Padilla Introduces the California Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights
SACRAMENTO – Today, Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) introduced Senate Bill 420, which will serve as a framework as the state seeks to balance technological, economic, and societal benefits of artificial intelligence (AI) while strengthening consumer protections around the technology.
Artificial intelligence stands to have the largest influence on society since the dawn of the Digital Age. AI has the potential to provide incredible societal benefits if harnessed appropriately, but threatens to pose terrible consequences if safeguards are not put in place as it becomes integrated into everyday life. The research and guardrails around generative AI services will become the standard that guides the technology as it proliferates throughout every sector of the economy. Currently, the protections and standards governing AI are set by the private companies developing the technology.
In October 2023, the President Biden introduced an Executive Order on “Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Use of Artificial Intelligence” – a comprehensive governance framework to balance the positive impacts of AI while protecting civil rights, ensuring safety and security, and standing up for consumers and the American public. Prior to this, the administration announced a Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights – a vision to “guide the design, use, and deployment of automated systems to protect the American public in the age of artificial intelligence”.
This blueprint included non-binding AI safety commitments from major tech companies. The blueprint included five guiding principles including protections from unsafe or ineffective systems, algorithmic discrimination, abusive data practices, and inclusion of notice and explanation, as well as access to human alternatives, consideration, and fallback. The blueprint was informed by the American public and insight from researchers, technologists, advocates, journalist and policymakers.
In January 2025, President Trump rescinded Biden’s Executive Order, effectively dismantling AI protections in the United State, and weakening U.S. leadership in developing AI systems that include guardrails to protect rights, privacy, and translate into real world harms. The administration’s efforts signal an increased potential for exacerbating income inequality, bias and discrimination, and cementing market concentration.
“California has a proud heritage as a home for technological vision while enforcing ethical, safe standards in concert with those values, not in opposition,” said Senator Padilla. “However, federal mismanagement has left the public vulnerable to the dangers AI poses. California must step in to provide guiderails that create common sense consumer protections while still fostering innovation.”
SB 420 states the intent of the legislature to develop a California AI Bill of rights, to serve as a framework and regulatory structure that ensure that AI systems respect human rights, promote fairness, transparency, accountability, and safeguard Californian’s well-being.
The California Artificial Intelligence Bill of Rights continues Senator Padilla’s work in the AI space. Earlier this month, he introduced Senate Bill 243, which would protect children from predatory chatbot practices. Click here to learn more.
Senate Bill 420 will be heard in the Senate in the coming months.
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Steve Padilla represents the 18th Senate District, which includes the communities of Chula Vista, the Coachella Valley, Imperial Beach, the Imperial Valley, 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/