Michael Kleinman reacts to breakthrough AI safety legislation

Michael Kleinman, Head of US Policy at the Future of Life Institute, released the following statement regarding the signing of SB 53:

We applaud Governor Newsom for signing this vital legislation. Across America, the demand for stronger AI legislation continues to grow, with large majorities of both Republicans and Democrats calling for common-sense AI safeguards, including 82% of Republicans who agree there should be limits on what AI is allowed to do, and more than 70% of voters who support the government taking action to set safety standards.

While more work remains, this is a landmark moment: lawmakers have finally begun establishing basic protections around advanced AI systems — the same safeguards that exist for every other industry, whether pharmaceuticals, aircraft manufacturers, or your local sandwich shop.

This summer, the Senate resoundingly rejected, by a 99-to-1 vote, an attempt to prevent states from taking action. Now, states are stepping up to enact the AI safeguards the American people are demanding. Unless and until there are strong federal AI safety standards to protect our children, our communities and our jobs, both blue and red states will have no choice but to continue filling the void.