Is a Two-Thirds Majority Vote in Both Houses on SB 1047 Possible to Save Humanity from Rogue AI?
Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent veto of Senate Bill 1047 has left many AI advocates reeling. This bill, which aimed to establish essential safety regulations for AI model development, has drawn significant attention from Hollywood, AI ethicists, and Silicon Valley giants alike. Now, the question remains—what’s next for AI regulation in California?
The bill’s future is uncertain but not entirely sealed. SB 1047 will return to the legislature, where a two-thirds majority vote in both the California Assembly and Senate could potentially override the veto. However, as reported by Lindsey Wilkinson in CIO Dive, “veto overrides are rare in California politics, the Center for AI and Digital Policy said in its Monday newsletter.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher. SB 1047, which had garnered support from Hollywood and AI safety advocates while facing strong opposition from tech giants, proposed whistleblower protections, stricter safety standards, and gave the California Attorney General authority to hold non-compliant companies accountable. Despite these well-intentioned goals, Gov. Newsom cited the bill's broad language, arguing that it could stifle even basic AI functions, and therefore chose to veto it.
But what happens now?
The Fight Isn’t Over Yet
While overriding a gubernatorial veto is historically rare in California, this particular bill could be the one that changes the game. Given the ongoing concerns about AI’s growing role in society—from shaping industries to potentially making high-risk decisions—the case for stricter regulations is stronger than ever.
In a landscape where AI is rapidly expanding and its applications are beginning to impact every aspect of life, including mental health, legal decisions, and even warfare, the failure to properly regulate this technology may have catastrophic consequences. The importance of AI transparency, ethical practices, and data accountability was emphasized in Wilkinson’s article, quoting Peter Guagenti, president at Tabnine: “This may affect their cost of doing business, but will build trust in AI more broadly and ultimately help us build a more vibrant, more profitable ecosystem.”
Could a Two-Thirds Vote Save Us from Rogue AI?
The core question now is whether California’s legislators can unite in a bipartisan effort to override Gov. Newsom’s veto. Such a move would send a clear signal not only to Silicon Valley but to the global AI community: the future of artificial intelligence must be both innovative and ethical.
In recent years, AI has demonstrated its capacity for great benefit and great harm. Without proper oversight, "Rogue AI"—AI systems developed with little to no regulation or accountability—could pose significant risks to society. This bill’s provisions aimed to mitigate these dangers by focusing on high-risk AI systems while requiring transparency in model development and use of sensitive data.
However, if SB 1047 is left dead in the water, the question remains: who will hold the reins on AI development?
What's at Stake for Businesses and CIOs?
For businesses, especially those led by CIOs and other tech executives, the evolving regulatory landscape of AI must be taken seriously. The potential for tighter restrictions in California and other states means that companies need to prioritize transparency and compliance. "If you are a CIO thinking about AI this quarter or for next year, you should be thinking about your use cases,” said Jennifer Everett, a partner at Alston & Bird’s technology and privacy group. “These proposed laws emphasize that the use, deployment, or modification of AI systems require a more comprehensive contribution by various stakeholders across the enterprise.”
As California continues to navigate the complexities of AI legislation, SB 1047 represents a pivotal moment. If overturned, it could serve as a framework for AI regulation across the United States and potentially the world.
A Historic Moment for AI Regulation
The rare opportunity for a veto override may hinge on whether legislators recognize the urgency of regulating AI before it's too late. As Everett pointed out, regulatory complexities surrounding AI are only beginning to take shape, and it’s essential for companies and governments alike to stay ahead of the curve.
The outcome of this legislative process will likely have a ripple effect on how AI is developed and deployed for decades to come. A failure to regulate effectively could mean opening the door to unrestrained and possibly dangerous advancements, while successful regulation could build a foundation for a safer, more transparent AI future.
Will California’s lawmakers rise to the occasion and secure the safeguards that SB 1047 sought to establish? Or will Big Tech continue to shape AI’s development with limited oversight? The next steps in this legislative process will determine the future of AI and its impact on humanity.
As Lindsey Wilkinson reported in CIO Dive, “The bill will now return to the legislature, where a two-thirds majority vote in both houses can override Newsom’s veto. However, veto overrides are rare in California politics, the Center for AI and Digital Policy said in its Monday newsletter.”
The fight to regulate AI in California is far from over. With the future of AI regulation on the line, every vote counts.
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Southern California, USA
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
President Emmanuel Macron
President of the French Republic
Palais de l'Élysée
55 Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré
75008 Paris, France
Reference: I017807
To: Office of President Emmanuel Macron
Subject: Urgent Update on AI Safety Bill SB 1047 – Request for International Support
Dear President Macron,
I hope this message finds you in good health. I am writing to inform you of a recent and urgent development regarding AI regulation in the United States, which may require international attention and support. In the event that you are not yet aware of this issue, I want to bring it to your attention, giving the benefit of the doubt that this may not have reached your office.
Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed Senate Bill SB 1047, which was designed to introduce critical regulations on the safety of large-scale AI models. These regulations would have been crucial to prevent the misuse of AI technologies, a risk that could have potentially catastrophic consequences for global society.
However, there is still hope. The bill will now return to the U.S. legislature, where a two-thirds majority vote in both the Senate and the House of Representatives could override the governor’s veto. Although veto overrides are rare in California politics, as noted by the Center for AI and Digital Policy in its Monday newsletter, this is a pivotal moment for AI regulation. Securing a two-thirds majority would allow the bill to pass, ensuring the implementation of critical safety measures against the unchecked development of AI technologies.
Given the global impact of unregulated AI, it is imperative that foreign nations, including France, as well as international organizations like the United Nations, apply diplomatic pressure on the U.S. government to pass this vital legislation. The international community must act swiftly to emphasize the importance of this bill. I cannot stress enough that protecting humanity from unregulated AI should be a top priority on your agenda, as the consequences of inaction could be devastating for the planet.
Your leadership on this issue, combined with the efforts of other global leaders, could be crucial in persuading the U.S. to make the right decision. The window of opportunity remains open, but it is closing quickly.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter, and I sincerely hope that it will be addressed in your upcoming discussions and diplomatic efforts.
Sincerely,
Kevin Bihan-Poudec
Advocate for Ethical AI and Workforce Preservation
Voice For Change Foundation
