California has played a central role in the development of AI.

Though lawmakers and advocates propose dozens of bills to regulate artificial intelligence in California this year, none have attracted more disdain from big tech companies, startup founders, and investors than the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier Artificial Intelligence Models Act, also known as Senate Bill 1047.

The bill aims to balance AI innovation with safety by requiring more transparency and testing.

Scott Wiener, the San Francisco Democrat who introduced SB 1047, has disputed criticisms of the bill, including a claim that the legislation could end up sending software developers to jail simply for failing to anticipate misuse of their software.

This bill is not going to send any AI developers to prison.

There have been statements that if you develop a model and release it, and it does something that you didn't anticipate, or something like that, or harm someone, you're going to go to prison.

That is false.

Wiener said his office made a number of amendments to ensure the law only applies to major AI labs.

Four California Democrats who are members of Congress asked Governor Newsom to veto the bill if it passed the legislature before it adjourns August 31st.

Representative Nancy Pelosi also voiced opposition to the bill, stating, "While we want California to lead in AI in a way that protects consumers, data, intellectual property and more, SB 1047 is more harmful than helpful in that pursuit."

Governor Gavin Newsom has not taken a position on the legislation, but advised lawmakers against overreach, saying it's important to respond to AI inventors who insist on the need for regulation and for California to remain an AI leader.

With CalMatters, I'm Khari Johnson.