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    SB-53
    Technology & Innovation

    CalCompute: foundation models: whistleblowers.

    Introduced
    CA
    ∙
    2025-2026 Regular Session
    1
    4
    Track
    Track

    Key Takeaways

    • Establishes CalCompute, a public cloud computing platform to advance safe and ethical AI development in California.
    • Creates whistleblower protections for employees who report critical AI safety risks at major AI companies.
    • Requires AI companies to provide anonymous reporting systems for employees who identify potential catastrophic risks.
    • Mandates a 14-member consortium to develop CalCompute's framework and submit recommendations by January 2027.

    Summary

    Senator Wiener's proposal to establish a state-owned cloud computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence development pairs this technical initiative with new protections for employees who report safety risks at AI companies. The legislation creates "CalCompute," a public computing cluster housed within the University of California system, while instituting whistleblower safeguards for workers at major AI developers.

    A 14-member consortium within the Government Operations Agency would develop CalCompute's framework by January 2027, focusing on expanding access to computing resources and fostering public-benefit research. The consortium, comprising representatives from academia, labor organizations, consumer advocacy groups, and AI experts, must outline governance structures, usage parameters, and workforce development pathways. The initiative requires dedicated funding through the state budget to take effect.

    The bill's whistleblower provisions apply to companies that have invested over $100 million in training foundation models. These companies must create anonymous reporting channels for employees who identify potential risks of their AI systems causing deaths, injuries, or property damage exceeding specified thresholds. Protected disclosures include risks related to weapons development, cyberattacks, or AI systems evading human control. Employees may report concerns to company leadership, state attorneys general, or federal authorities without retaliation, with courts authorized to grant injunctive relief and attorney fees in successful cases.

    Key Dates

    Next Step
    Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations
    Next Step
    Senate Committee
    Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations
    Hearing scheduled for , 1021 O Street, Room 2200
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Judiciary Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Judiciary Hearing
    Senate Judiciary Hearing
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.
    Senate Floor
    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.
    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

    Contacts

    Profile
    Anna CaballeroD
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Scott WienerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Tim GraysonD
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Megan DahleR
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Kelly SeyartoR
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    0 of 8 row(s) selected.
    Page 1 of 2
    Select All Legislators
    Profile
    Anna CaballeroD
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Scott WienerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Tim GraysonD
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Megan DahleR
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Kelly SeyartoR
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Aisha WahabD
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Christopher CabaldonD
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Laura RichardsonD
    Senator
    Committee Member

    Get Involved

    Act Now!

    Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

    Introduced By

    Scott Wiener
    Scott WienerD
    California State Senator
    10% progression
    Bill has been formally introduced and read for the first time in its house of origin (1/7/2025)

    Latest Voting History

    View History
    April 21, 2025
    PASS
    Senate Committee
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
    6017PASS

    Key Takeaways

    • Establishes CalCompute, a public cloud computing platform to advance safe and ethical AI development in California.
    • Creates whistleblower protections for employees who report critical AI safety risks at major AI companies.
    • Requires AI companies to provide anonymous reporting systems for employees who identify potential catastrophic risks.
    • Mandates a 14-member consortium to develop CalCompute's framework and submit recommendations by January 2027.

    Get Involved

    Act Now!

    Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

    Introduced By

    Scott Wiener
    Scott WienerD
    California State Senator

    Summary

    Senator Wiener's proposal to establish a state-owned cloud computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence development pairs this technical initiative with new protections for employees who report safety risks at AI companies. The legislation creates "CalCompute," a public computing cluster housed within the University of California system, while instituting whistleblower safeguards for workers at major AI developers.

    A 14-member consortium within the Government Operations Agency would develop CalCompute's framework by January 2027, focusing on expanding access to computing resources and fostering public-benefit research. The consortium, comprising representatives from academia, labor organizations, consumer advocacy groups, and AI experts, must outline governance structures, usage parameters, and workforce development pathways. The initiative requires dedicated funding through the state budget to take effect.

    The bill's whistleblower provisions apply to companies that have invested over $100 million in training foundation models. These companies must create anonymous reporting channels for employees who identify potential risks of their AI systems causing deaths, injuries, or property damage exceeding specified thresholds. Protected disclosures include risks related to weapons development, cyberattacks, or AI systems evading human control. Employees may report concerns to company leadership, state attorneys general, or federal authorities without retaliation, with courts authorized to grant injunctive relief and attorney fees in successful cases.

    10% progression
    Bill has been formally introduced and read for the first time in its house of origin (1/7/2025)

    Key Dates

    Next Step
    Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations
    Next Step
    Senate Committee
    Referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Appropriations
    Hearing scheduled for , 1021 O Street, Room 2200
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    Senate Judiciary Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Judiciary Hearing
    Senate Judiciary Hearing
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Senate Committee
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Senate Governmental Organization Hearing
    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.
    Senate Floor
    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.
    Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

    Latest Voting History

    View History
    April 21, 2025
    PASS
    Senate Committee
    Senate Appropriations Hearing
    AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
    6017PASS

    Contacts

    Profile
    Anna CaballeroD
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Scott WienerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Tim GraysonD
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Megan DahleR
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    Profile
    Kelly SeyartoR
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Not Contacted
    Not Contacted
    0 of 8 row(s) selected.
    Page 1 of 2
    Select All Legislators
    Profile
    Anna CaballeroD
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Scott WienerD
    Senator
    Bill Author
    Profile
    Tim GraysonD
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Megan DahleR
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Kelly SeyartoR
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Aisha WahabD
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Christopher CabaldonD
    Senator
    Committee Member
    Profile
    Laura RichardsonD
    Senator
    Committee Member