The California Assembly has passed a bill aimed at regulating artificial intelligence (AI) systems by 2024. The bill, known as the Artificial Intelligence Safety Act, seeks to establish guidelines and safeguards for the development and deployment of AI technologies in the state. It requires companies to conduct risk assessments and implement measures to mitigate potential harms caused by AI systems. The bill also mandates transparency, allowing individuals to know when they are interacting with an AI system. Additionally, it prohibits the use of AI for certain high-risk applications, such as determining eligibility for essential services or making decisions that could result in physical harm. The bill aims to strike a balance between fostering innovation and protecting public safety, privacy, and civil rights. While some tech companies have raised concerns about potential overregulation, proponents argue that the bill is necessary to ensure AI systems are developed and used responsibly. The bill now heads to the state Senate for further consideration.