The Assembly Public Safety Committee of the California State Assembly convened on July 1, 2025, to discuss the proposed AI Abuse Protection Act, also known as SB 11. The meeting focused on establishing a legal framework to regulate artificial intelligence, particularly concerning voice, image, and video cloning technologies.

Senator Ashby introduced the bill, highlighting the urgent need for regulation in light of the rising misuse of AI technologies. He emphasized that the absence of a comprehensive legal framework leaves individuals vulnerable to exploitation, identity theft, and misinformation, particularly affecting women and young girls. Notably, he referenced high-profile cases involving nonconsensual AI-generated explicit content, which have garnered millions of views online.

SB 11 aims to address these issues by clarifying the definition of likeness to include AI-generated content, requiring consumer warnings on AI software, establishing penalties for misuse, and preventing tampering with AI-generated evidence in courts. The senator called for support from committee members, asserting that the bill provides necessary protections for victims of AI abuse.

Steve Wimmer, an AI developer and tech expert from the Transparency Coalition, supported the bill, stating that it would protect individuals from harm caused by AI-generated digital replicas. He underscored the importance of California's leadership in AI regulation, especially in light of recent federal attempts to impose a moratorium on state-level AI legislation.

Several organizations expressed support for SB 11, including the Center for AI and Digital Policy, the California District Attorneys Association, and SAG AFTRA. However, the California Chamber of Commerce voiced opposition, proposing amendments to clarify the bill's application to specific AI tools designed for creating digital replicas, rather than general-purpose AI applications. They also suggested modifications regarding consumer warnings and penalties for violations.

The meeting concluded with a call for further discussion on the proposed amendments, indicating ongoing dialogue between the bill's supporters and opponents. The committee's deliberations reflect a critical moment in California's approach to regulating AI technologies, balancing innovation with the need for public safety and protection against misuse.