Bill > SB53

This bill establishes two key components related to artificial intelligence (AI) in California: the CalCompute public cloud computing cluster and enhanced whistleblower protections for AI developers. The CalCompute initiative will create a consortium within the Government Operations Agency to develop a framework for a public cloud computing platform focused on safe, ethical, and equitable AI development. The consortium, composed of 14 members from academic, labor, and technical backgrounds, will submit a comprehensive report to the Legislature by January 1, 2027, detailing the platform's infrastructure, costs, governance, and workforce implications. Simultaneously, the bill introduces robust whistleblower protections for employees in AI development, specifically for developers of large foundation models. These protections prevent employers from retaliating against employees who disclose potential "critical risks" - defined as foreseeable risks that could result in over 100 deaths, more than $1 billion in damages, or serious potential harm like weapons creation or uncontrolled AI behavior. The bill requires developers to provide anonymous internal reporting mechanisms, clear notices of employee rights, and establishes legal provisions that make it easier for employees to seek injunctive relief and attorney's fees if they face retaliation. Importantly, the provisions will only become operative upon specific budget appropriation.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Justice

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB53