What does California SB 53 require?

Frontier AI developers must publicly disclose safety frameworks, report specified critical safety incidents to the state, and protect whistleblowers who report serious risks, according to the governor's office.

Is California changing SB 53?

Executive Order N-9-26 of 18 September 2026 asks for recommendations by 16 November 2026 on amendments, including widening the critical safety incident definition to cover loss-of-control incidents. Any change would need new legislation.

California SB 53 (Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act): Policy Overview, Specs and News

California SB 53 (Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act)

California Senate Bill 53, the Transparency in Frontier Artificial Intelligence Act by Senator Scott Wiener, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom on 29 September 2025. It requires frontier AI developers to publish safety frameworks, report certain critical safety incidents to the state and protect whistleblowers who report serious risks.

Last reviewed 28 Oct 2026

Facts at a glance

Jurisdiction	California, United States
Author	Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) source
Signed	29 September 2025 source
Applies to	Frontier AI developers
Main duties	Publish safety frameworks, report critical safety incidents, protect whistleblowers

Questions people ask

What does California SB 53 require?: Frontier AI developers must publicly disclose safety frameworks, report specified critical safety incidents to the state, and protect whistleblowers who report serious risks, according to the governor's office.
Is California changing SB 53?: Executive Order N-9-26 of 18 September 2026 asks for recommendations by 16 November 2026 on amendments, including widening the critical safety incident definition to cover loss-of-control incidents. Any change would need new legislation.