Gavin Newsom is pushing for an AI kill switch

California Gov. Gavin Newsom is positioning the state to take the lead on AI oversight with a new executive order that explores mandating a “kill switch” for frontier models. The order directs the state to convene experts to deliver recommendations within two months on strengthening AI safety measures. Newsom’s proposal includes requiring AI companies to allow onsite independent audits, making transparency reports subject to auditor standards, and ensuring companies report “loss-of-control incidents” as critical safety events. The executive action also speeds up the implementation of two recent laws creating a framework for independent verifiers and a state registry of AI auditors. This push comes amid a flurry of discussions in Congress regarding AI risks, though major federal legislation is unlikely in the near term due to the upcoming midterm elections and congressional recess. Newsom is explicitly positioning this order as a potential model for federal action. He recently floated the possibility of calling a special legislative session on AI, signaling that California intends to remain aggressive in regulating the technology regardless of the pace in Washington.