Call-To-Action on SB 1047

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses a concerning bill, SB 1047, that is being fast-tracked through the California state legislature. The bill aims to create an unaccountable Frontier Model Division staffed by Effective Altruism (EA) activists, who would have police powers to potentially jail AI researchers for "thoughtcrime". The article calls for urgent action to stop this bill, as it could have a significant impact on the open-source AI and technology industry, given that many cloud and AI companies are headquartered in California.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Call-To-Action on SB 1047

1. What is SB 1047, and what are the key concerns about this bill?

• SB 1047 is a bill being considered in the California legislature that would create an unaccountable Frontier Model Division, staffed by Effective Altruism (EA) activists, with police powers to potentially jail AI researchers for "thoughtcrime" related to their AI research.
• The bill is being fast-tracked through the state Senate and could have a significant impact on the open-source AI and technology industry, as many cloud and AI companies are headquartered in California.

2. What actions are being recommended to stop this bill?

• Submit a position letter to the bill author, which will ensure your position is included in future bill analyses read by state Senators.
• If before May 5th, also submit comments to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
• Add your public comment to the Context Fund analysis document.
• Spread awareness about the bill to friends, media, publications, and social media followings, especially those in the ML, tech, and startup communities.

3. Why is it important for non-California residents to get involved?

• Many of the supporters of this bill are not from California, so non-California residents are encouraged to comment and get involved in opposing the bill, as it could have a worldwide impact.

[02] Submitting Position Letters

1. How can someone submit a position letter to the bill author?

• Go to the bill's webpage on the California legislature website, click on "Comments to the Author", register an account, and submit an opposition letter.
• Use your own words in the letter, and feel free to borrow from or cite the Context Fund's analysis of the bill.
• If you are involved in the open-source movement, a startup founder, or an investor, emphasize how the bill would affect you personally.

2. What is the importance of submitting comments to the Senate Appropriations Committee?

• If it's still before May 5th, you should also submit comments to the Senate Appropriations Committee to ensure your position is fully considered at the hearing.
• Submitting to both the committee and the author is necessary to make sure your position letter is fully taken into account.

[03] Spreading Awareness

1. Why is it important to spread awareness about this bill?

• Many builders and investors who would be affected by this bill are not yet aware of it, while the special interests supporting the bill are. Raising awareness quickly is crucial to counteract this.
• Spreading the word to friends, media, publications, and social media followings, especially those in the ML, tech, and startup communities, can help generate more opposition to the bill.