California Governor Signs AI Assessment and Auditor Registry Bills

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills on Wednesday establishing a framework for independent AI assessments and creating a state registry for AI auditors. The legislation, Senate Bill 813 and Assembly Bill 1405, aims to increase transparency and accountability in the rapidly advancing artificial intelligence industry. Senate Bill 813, authored by state Senator Jerry McNerney, creates a structure for independent verification organizations to assess AI systems and models. Assembly Bill 1405, authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan, establishes a state registry for AI auditors and sets requirements for their independence, transparency, and integrity. The signing occurred shortly after viral posts from former AI researcher Jacob Coxon, who warned about existential risks from AI development. Newsom acknowledged these concerns in a statement, saying, "The concerns raised in recent incidents reinforce what California has long recognized: artificial intelligence holds extraordinary promise, but it must be developed and deployed with meaningful safeguards to protect the public.