California Governor Pushes AI ‘Kill Switch’ in New Order

California, home to leading artificial intelligence developers, has emerged as a testing ground for U.S. oversight of frontier models as federal regulation remains limited. Governor Gavin Newsom began advancing a statewide generative AI framework in 2023 and signed SB 53 in 2025, requiring frontier developers to disclose safety frameworks, report specified critical incidents and protect whistleblowers. The latest initiative reflects growing concern that increasingly capable systems could evade controls or cause large-scale harm.

Newsom signed an executive order on Sept. 18, 2026, directing the California Government Operations Agency, in consultation with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, to convene experts and deliver recommendations within two months. Options include mandatory emergency shutoffs for frontier models, onsite independent monitors and regular verification of safety reports and risk assessments. The order also accelerates implementation of SB 813 and AB 1405, signed Sept. 9, which establish independent verification organizations and a state registry for AI auditors.