California Legislature Passes Key Privacy Bills

California lawmakers have recently passed several significant bills affecting privacy rights, voter identification laws, and artificial intelligence regulations. A.B. 3048 introduces an online tool for consumers to opt out of data sharing, enhancing privacy protections. Meanwhile, SB 1174 prohibits local voter ID laws, overriding Huntington Beach's recent ordinance, which critics argue suppresses voter turnout. Additionally, the contentious SB 1047 mandates safety testing for advanced AI systems and grants the state attorney general authority to sue developers for serious harms. This legislation has faced opposition from tech companies and some lawmakers, while proponents stress the need for safety measures in AI development. All three bills await Governor Gavin Newsom's signature, with substantial implications for privacy, voting rights, and technology regulation in California.