Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) The Dreamforce conference hosted by Salesforce in San Francisco on Sept. 18, 2024. Dreamforce is an annual tech conference attracting thousands of participants and is the largest AI event in the world, according to Salesforce. Photo by Florence Middleton for CalMatters In summary The legislation would have required tech companies to test AI for harm to society. It attracted opposition from numerous members of Congress and major AI companies including Google, Meta, and OpenAI. Welcome to CalMatters, the only nonprofit newsroom devoted solely to covering issues that affect all Californians. Sign up for WhatMatters to receive the latest news and commentary on the most important issues in the Golden State. California Gov. Gavin Newsom today vetoed the most ambitious — and contentious — bill approved by the Legislature this year to regulate artificial intelligence. The legislation, Senate Bill 1047, would have required testing of AI models to determine whether they would likely lead to mass death, endanger public infrastructure or enable severe cyberattacks. Newsom in his veto letter criticized the bill for potentially “curtailing the very innovation that fuels advancement in favor of the public good.” He also said it would have needlessly regulated AI used in low-risk situations and that it was written without enough research. “A California-only approach may well be warranted — especially absent federal action by Congress — but it must be based on empirical evidence and science,” he wrote. The bill applied only to the costliest AI models, needing $100 million or more to develop, and Newsom objected to that threshold, saying cheaper tech can still be harmful. The governor wrote that he will work to “find the appropriate path forward, including legislation and regulation” to address AI risks. Opponents argued that the bill would harm the state economy and AI industry. They included Google, Meta, OpenAI, and eight members of the California congressional delegation. The state Chamber of Commerce praised the veto , saying the legislation would put “California’s place as the global hub of innovation at tremendous risk.” The bill’s sponsor, San Francisco Democratic Sen. Scott Wiener, called the veto “a missed opportunity for California to once again lead on innovative tech regulation” and protect public safety. His bill’s supporters include 59% of California voters, according to one poll, along with billionaire Elon Musk, the Screen Actors Guild, Service Employees International Union, the National Organization for Women, and whistleblowers who worked at companies that make AI. Become a CalMatters member today to stay informed, bolster our nonpartisan news and expand knowledge across California.