California lawmakers say they’ll keep pushing to regulate AI

California lawmakers say they’re not deterred by a new executive order that would threaten state’s abilities to regulate artificial intelligence. ...

President Donald Trump’s order would create a framework for the federal government to sue states that have “burdensome” AI laws, and threatens states that disobey with restrictions on broadband funding. The president has said he doesn’t want there to be a “patchwork” of state laws when it comes to AI. 

“They’re always saying that. So it doesn’t bother me. I’ve heard it before,” said state Sen. Jerry McNerney, D-Stockton. McNerney compared the AI patchwork to that of emissions regulations and privacy laws, although he said he understood why state-by-state regulation would be burdensome for companies. 

Even still, “I don’t think it will discourage legislators like myself from states around the country from proposing legislation that’s narrowly tailored,” he said.  ...

McNerney said he plans to put forward legislation during the new session, which begins in January, that would create a set of voluntary standards for AI companies, around things like watermarking, data transparency and accuracy in medical evaluations. “I think it’s very important to get some safeguards and guardrails in AI because things are moving very quickly.”

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