Meet California's chief gatekeeper for AI rules

Presented by the American Lung Association: Inside the Golden State political arena

Apr 15, 2024 View in browser   By Lara Korte and Dustin Gardiner Presented by the American Lung Association The Senate Judiciary Committee, which Tom Umberg chairs, is a pivotal hurdle for dozens of artificial intelligence bills. | Rich Pedroncelli/AP DRIVING THE DAY — Iran’s attacks on Israel over the weekend are fueling calls for both restraint and further action amid concerns about a wider Middle East conflict. Read on for more about how California leaders are responding given the deep divisions across the state. THE BUZZ: AI AMBITION — California lawmakers want to enact some of the most ambitious, first-in-the-nation regulations on artificial intelligence, but first, they’ll have to get through Tom Umberg.  The Senate Judiciary Committee, which he chairs, is a pivotal hurdle for the dozens of artificial intelligence bills winding their way through the legislature this year. Umberg, who previously served in the Assembly, is a retired Army colonel and widely regarded as one of the Capitol’s most discerning pragmatists. His committee has vetted — and in some cases, halted — some of California’s most ambitious regulations on the technology sector, and this year, is poised to play chief gatekeeper for the more than 40 bills seeking to regulate artificial intelligence, including new requirements for social media giants and risk assessments for the largest AI models. The committee recently approved state Sen. Scott Wiener’s sweeping AI framework, and will consider another set of AI proposals in a hearing this week. We caught up with Umberg to get his take on one of the hottest topics of the year — and what he sees as California’s path forward. This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.  On California’s role in regulating AI — In the best of all worlds, there would be, I think, a uniform scheme of regulation of AI throughout the country. I am concerned that, given what’s happening in the Congress, that that may not be achievable anytime soon. I think it’s important for California to step into that void — to create some regulatory scheme for AI. It is probably the most important technological development since the internet. There’s lots of good that could come from AI and there’s some risks that are also attendant to artificial intelligence. So, I think it’s our responsibility, as policymakers, to step up to the plate. On how California can lead with a budget deficit — There are so many economic concerns around AI, that we actually do want to be in the forefront. We do want to be the place. You know, sort of the ‘Silicon Valley of artificial intelligence,’ and we want to make sure that we don’t lag behind because of inadequate resources. There’s a general economic concern that if we don’t have a regulatory scheme that both encourages entrepreneurship, encourages development and also discourages risks that are not in society’s interest, that other regions and other countries will take the lead. On whether he shares other lawmakers’ urgency in passing laws — [UCLA football coach] John Wooden used to say ‘be quick, but don’t hurry.’ We don't want to be in such haste that we don't attend to the important aspects of AI, but we have to move with some purpose to create the regulatory structure. On whether California is considering too many AI bills this year — Everybody thinks that their ideas are necessary. Here's my take: I want to make sure that we are consistent. I want to make sure that we have consistent definitions. I want to make sure that we do the best job we possibly can, so that those who are in the marketplace understand the rules. I want to make sure that we create realistic timelines, so that's my goal. My goal is to create that kind of structure. On whether he himself has used any AI tools like ChatGPT — I tried to use Chat GPT to do an op-ed on my discovery bill — SB 241. How did it go? Horribly. When it came out, it was just all these platitudes. It was not useful at all. Read more from the interview here, for POLITICO Pro subscribers.  GOOD MORNING. Happy Monday. Thanks for waking up with Playbook. Now you can text us at ‪916-562-0685‬‪ — save it as “CA Playbook” in your contacts now. Or drop us a line at lkorte@politico.com and dgardiner@politico.com, or on X — @DustinGardiner and @Lara_Korte. WHERE’S GAVIN? Nothing official announced. A message from the American Lung Association: Billions of state investment dollars for climate and clean air programs are being deferred. Doctors and Californians agree: cuts to the climate budget have health consequences. California’s vulnerable communities are counting on legislators to protect clean air programs that save lives and money! We’re asking them to protect public health by investing in clean cars and healthy homes, not fossil fuel subsidies and polluting highway expansions. Learn more from the American Lung Association in California.   THE SCOOP State Sen. Steven Bradford joins a relatively sparse field of competitors. | Arturo Holmes/Getty Images FIRST IN PLAYBOOK: BRADFORD JUMPS IN — State Sen. Steven Bradford officially launches his campaign for lieutenant governor today, joining a relatively sparse field of competitors while other state Democrats vie for the governor’s office. California’s lieutenant governors have little power, but the position is often seen as a stepping stone to higher office. Gov. Gavin Newsom held the job for eight years before his election to the governor’s office, and current Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis is a frontrunner in the crowded field to succeed him in 2026. Bradford told Playbook he has no interest in eventually running for governor, and that he’s focused on what he can do as lieutenant governor, including serving as a full voting member of the state’s higher education systems. "A lot of people hear this job title and think it's a really sexy position," he said. "But it's really in the weeds." Read more from our exclusive interview with Bradford.   POLITICO IS BACK AT THE 2024 MILKEN GLOBAL CONFERENCE: POLITICO will again be your eyes and ears at the 27th Annual Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles from May 5-8 with exclusive, daily, reporting in our Global Playbook newsletter. Suzanne Lynch will be on the ground covering the biggest moments, behind-the-scenes buzz and on-stage insights from global leaders in health, finance, tech, philanthropy and beyond. Get a front-row seat to where the most interesting minds and top global leaders confront the world’s most pressing and complex challenges — subscribe today.     STATE CAPITOL Israeli Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran. | Tomer Neuberg/AP Photo HOUSE DIVIDED — Establishment Democratic leaders across California were quick over the weekend to condemn Iran’s attack on Israel. But progressives within the party said they worried the response could limit scrutiny of Israel’s government amid its war in Gaza, where the death toll has surpassed 33,000 people. Gov. Newsom echoed President Joe Biden’s “ironclad” support for Israel’s security in a tweet Saturday night, posting, “California stands with Israel against these unprecedented attacks from Iran.” State Sen. Scott Wiener, co-chair of the Legislature’s Jewish Caucus, tweeted that the attack on Israel was part of a “decades-long strategy to annihilate Israel.” He said Iran’s support for Hamas and other militant groups seeking to destabilize the region had drawn a clear line. But progressive Democrats in California said they were skeptical about what they called the one-sided nature of the response. Fatima Iqbal-Zubair, chair of the California Democratic Party’s Progressive Caucus, said it felt like establishment party leaders were once again prioritizing lives based on skin color, showing more concern for the plight of white Jews versus that of brown Palestinians. In recent months, mainstream Democratic officials in California, Newsom included, have warmed up to supporting calls for a cease-fire in Israel’s war with Hamas, albeit with conditions, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens. Iqbal-Zubair said the concern for progressives is that criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza could once again take a backseat. She said they want leaders to condemn both Iran and Israel’s escalations of violence. “It shouldn’t be a one-sided thing. Really, be empathetic toward all lives,” she added. Oakland Rep. Barbara Lee, a progressive who began calling for a cease-fire immediately after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel, shared a similar view on Twitter. She condemned both Iran and Israel for their escalating attacks, a reference to Israel’s previous strike that killed Iranian commanders at the country’s embassy in Syria. “We must resist the US becoming embroiled in another costly conflict abroad, but rather lead toward peace and security in the region,” Lee posted.   A message from the American Lung Association:   CASH DASH GOP Rep. Ken Calvert is getting a run for his money in the race for CA-41. | Alex Brandon/AP Photo MONEY MAKERS — Tonight is the deadline for congressional candidates to file their latest fundraising reports with the FEC. A couple of early highlights, from candidates who’ve announced their Q1 totals: — Democrat Will Rollins continues to give GOP Rep. Ken Calvert a run for his money in the race for CA-41 in Riverside County. Rollins’ camp said he raised $1.8 million in the period, far more than longtime incumbent Calvert, whose team said he raised nearly $1 million. The race is expected to be one of the most competitive in the country. Rollins has more than $3 million cash on hand, compared with over $2.6 million for Calvert. — Democrat Jessica Morse’s camp said she raised $532,000 in the quarter, and has nearly $1 million cash on hand. Morse’s fundraising surge could cause Republicans to spend more money defending Rep. Kevin Kiley in CA-03, an elongated district that includes the north Sacramento suburbs and a huge swath of The Sierra. Kiley has yet to report his latest haul, but he started the year with $2 million in the bank.   GROWING IN THE GOLDEN STATE: POLITICO California is growing, reinforcing our role as the indispensable insider source for reporting on politics, policy and power. From the corridors of power in Sacramento and Los Angeles to the players and innovation hubs in Silicon Valley, we're your go-to for navigating the political landscape across the state. Exclusive scoops, essential daily newsletters, unmatched policy reporting and insights — POLITICO California is your key to unlocking Golden State politics. LEARN MORE.     ON THE AGENDA Actress and model Paris Hilton will testify in Sacramento. | Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images FLOOR SESH — The Assembly and Senate convene at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. respectively. IN THE SENATE — Paris Hilton (yes, that Paris Hilton) is scheduled to appear alongside Republican state Sen. Shannon Grove today in the human services committee to support a bill on youth treatment facilities. More on that here.  STATE OF THE CITY — Mayor Karen Bass is scheduled to give her annual address on the state of Los Angeles this evening at 5:30 p.m. A message from the American Lung Association: Investments in clean air save lives and make living in California more affordable. Budget cuts threaten to completely zero out promised investments that directly support households and businesses struggling with high fuel prices, pollution, and a lack of affordable mobility options. The Equitable Building Decarbonization Program is a vital part of California’s clean air safety net an important tool designed to provide relief to households impacted by indoor air pollution and energy bills. Before the state even considers cuts to equitable clean air programs, we must expand the Governor’s proposed cuts to subsidies for big polluters and cut out infrastructure investments - like highway expansions – that increase pollution. Join the American Lung Association in California in calling on Governor Gavin Newsom and the Legislature to deliver cleaner air and affordable clean energy solutions by protecting our climate budget!   CLIMATE AND ENERGY GETTING WARMER — Tai Milder is California’s gas price detective. POLITICO checked in with him as summer driving season starts ramping up on where things stand in the state’s effort to tame wild price spikes. Read more in Friday’s California Climate newsletter. TOP TALKERS — Former GOP Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy is on a rebranding tour to reshape how his eight-month tenure — and his status as the first speaker to ever be removed from office — will be remembered by history. (POLITICO) — San Francisco police have almost stopped issuing traffic tickets in recent years, despite an increase in pedestrian fatalities. Now, city leaders want to use automated speed cameras to beef up enforcement. (San Francisco Chronicle) AROUND THE STATE SAN DIEGO: Mayor Todd Gloria’s plan to c onvert a vacant warehouse near downtown into a 1,000-bed homeless shelter has been overshadowed by a lack of details about the plan. (The San Diego Union-Tribune) BAKERSFIELD: A protester who threatened to “murder” Bakersfield City Council members during a debate over a Gaza cease-fire resolution has been arraigned on felony charges. (Fox 58) ANAHEIM: The Anaheim City Council will review Disney’s roughly $1.9 billion plan to expand with more rides, hotels, entertainment and dining. Don’t expect Florida to see that kind of expansion anytime soon. (The Orange County Register) SACRAMENTO: State Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones is hammering Newsom over unanswered questions looming from the so-called “Panera-gate” controversy. (The Sacramento Bee) LOS ANGELES: Pay hikes negotiated for LA city workers could add $1 billion to the city’s budget by 2028, a new report projects. (Los Angeles Times) COACHELLA: More than 100,000 people descended on the Coachella Valley for its namesake music festival. A top highlight was Gwen Stefani’s reunion with the rest of her No Doubt bandmates, after a nearly decade-long hiatus. (Desert Sun) PLAYBOOKERS TRANSITIONS — Chris Tobin is now the chief people officer at Zum, a company in the electric school bus field. He’s a veteran HR executive who’s worked with many Silicon Valley firms. BIRTHDAYS — former Rep. Howard Berman (D-Calif.) … Rishi Banerjee … Visa’s Cheyenne Hopkins … Alexandra Biering, senior policy advocate at the California Farm Bureau … Amy Everitt, president of Golden State Opportunity … (was Sunday): Rep. David Valadao (R-Calif.) … POLITICO’S Sasha Issenberg … Shari Redstone … Ashley Gold … Andrew Roosa … Betsy Riley … Marc Platt … (was Saturday): Rep. Jim Costa (D-Calif.) … former Rep. Susan Davis (the big 8-0) … Alex Lam … Geoff Embler SHARE YOUR B-DAY — Want us to feature a birthday or another special occasion in POLITICO's California Playbook? You can now submit a shout-out using this nifty form. Disclaimers: All information will be verified. We reserve the right to edit any final content. CALIFORNIA POLICY IS ALWAYS CHANGING: Know your next move. From Sacramento to Silicon Valley, POLITICO California Pro provides policy professionals with the in-depth reporting and tools they need to get ahead of policy trends and political developments shaping the Golden State. To learn more about the exclusive insight and analysis this subscriber-only service offers, click here. Want to make an impact? POLITICO California has a variety of solutions available for partners looking to reach and activate the most influential people in the Golden State. Have a petition you want signed? A cause you’re promoting? Seeking to increase brand awareness amongst this key audience? Share your message with our influential readers to foster engagement and drive action. Contact Jesse Shapiro to find out how: jshapiro@politico.com.   Follow us on Twitter Dustin Gardiner @dustingardiner Lara Korte @lara_korte   Subscribe to the POLITICO Playbook family Playbook  |  Playbook PM  |  California Playbook  |  Florida Playbook  |  Illinois Playbook  |  Massachusetts Playbook  |  New Jersey Playbook  |  New York Playbook  |  Ottawa Playbook  |  Brussels Playbook  |  London Playbook View all our political and policy newsletters Follow us

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