California has enacted SB 53, a pioneering AI safety and transparency law that mandates large AI labs to disclose their safety protocols to mitigate catastrophic risks, such as cyberattacks and bio-weapons. Adam Billen from Encode AI emphasizes that this legislation does not hinder innovation but rather enforces existing safety practices. The law aims to prevent companies from relaxing safety standards due to competitive pressures. Despite some opposition in Silicon Valley, proponents argue that regulation can coexist with technological advancement. Billen warns against federal preemption of state laws, advocating for a balanced approach that addresses AI risks without stifling progress. He highlights the importance of maintaining state-level regulations that focus on issues like deepfakes and algorithmic discrimination, asserting that such measures are crucial for responsible AI development.