SACRAMENTO, Calif. (Diya TV) — California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed an executive order Friday directing state agencies to accelerate artificial intelligence oversight and study new requirements for advanced AI systems, including an emergency “kill switch.”
The order directs the California Government Operations Agency, working with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, to convene experts and submit recommendations by Nov. 16. The proposals could form the basis for changes to state law.
Among the proposals, officials will consider requiring frontier AI companies to allow independent verification organizations to conduct regular on-site audits. The state will also study whether third parties should verify company safety plans, transparency reports and risk assessments.
The agencies will also examine a requirement for frontier AI developers to maintain an emergency shutoff mechanism and regularly verify that it works. The executive order does not impose that requirement immediately.
Newsom also directed officials to consider expanding the definition of a critical AI safety incident to cover cases in which developers lose control of an AI system.
The order accelerates implementation of two laws Newsom signed last week. Senate Bill 813 establishes a framework for independent organizations that evaluate AI systems for safety and risk. Assembly Bill 1405 creates a state registry for AI auditors and sets standards for their independence and transparency.
California has separately expanded rules affecting the entertainment industry. On Sept. 16, Newsom signed Senate Bill 1050, which requires disclosures when video or audio advertisements use AI-generated performers.
The latest order follows growing debate over how governments should oversee frontier AI systems. California officials will submit their recommendations in November before lawmakers consider any additional requirements.
