Comment by Geoff Ralston

Artificial intelligence is one of the most powerful technologies ever developed, and it’s advancing at breakneck speed. Even industry leaders have warned of its potential risks. Ensuring AI is developed safely should not be controversial—it should be foundational, This is a national imperative. Congress should be leading, demanding transparency and accountability from the companies building frontier models. But with no serious federal action in sight, states must step up. California’s SB 53 is a thoughtful, well-structured example of state leadership. It provides a blueprint that other states can follow—and that could one day shape national policy. We cannot afford to wait. Responsible state-level legislation is our best immediate option for ensuring that AI is developed in ways that align with public safety, democratic values, and long-term human interests.