Nancy Pelosi Opposes California AI Regulation Bill

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi has publicly voiced her opposition to California's SB 1047, a bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence. In a statement released late yesterday, Pelosi characterized the legislation as “well-intentioned but ill-informed,” echoing sentiments shared by fellow Bay Area representatives Zoe Lofgren, Anna Eshoo, and Ro Khanna. She expressed concern that the bill could ultimately be “more harmful than helpful” to the burgeoning AI sector. The bill has undergone recent amendments in response to criticism, including feedback from AI company Anthropic, and is now set to proceed to a vote in California’s Assembly. Despite her influential position, Pelosi's comments reflect the reality that, as a federal legislator, she does not have direct authority over state legislation. However, her seniority and prominence may still impact the perspectives of California lawmakers. Pelosi emphasized the importance of California leading the way in AI legislation, stating, “AI springs from California.” She advocates for a regulatory framework that serves as a model not just for the state, but for the nation and the world. Her vision includes fostering an environment where small entrepreneurs and academic institutions can thrive, rather than allowing large tech companies to dominate the landscape. As the debate over SB 1047 continues, Pelosi's remarks highlight the complexities of regulating a rapidly evolving technology while balancing innovation and public interest.