Assembly Committee discusses AB 656 to regulate AI liability and responsibilities

A pivotal discussion on artificial intelligence (AI) liability took center stage during the California Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee meeting on May 6, 2025. Lawmakers are pushing for a new bill aimed at establishing clear accountability for AI-related harms, addressing concerns that companies might evade responsibility by claiming their products operate autonomously.

Assemblymember DeMaio highlighted the urgency of the bill, emphasizing that current laws may not adequately address the complexities introduced by AI technology. He expressed concern that companies could exploit an "AI defense" to avoid liability, potentially leading to prolonged legal battles over negligence and duty of care. "We need to set guardrails up front rather than litigating these cases for 10 years," DeMaio stated, advocating for a proactive approach to ensure companies are held accountable for their AI products.

The bill's author responded by affirming that it does not create new forms of liability but rather clarifies existing standards. She argued that while companies would still need to prove negligence, they could no longer simply claim that AI was the cause of harm to escape responsibility. "This bill encourages responsible conduct and prevents reckless actors from using AI as an excuse," she asserted, pointing to alarming potential harms, particularly to vulnerable populations like children.

Despite some opposition regarding the bill's clarity, the committee members expressed a willingness to refine the language as the legislative process unfolds. The meeting concluded with a call for support, as the author urged her colleagues to vote in favor of the bill to establish necessary protections against AI-related risks.

As the bill moves forward, it promises to reshape the landscape of AI accountability in California, ensuring that companies prioritize safety and responsibility in their technological advancements.