OpenAI urges California to strengthen SB 53 after previously opposing the bill

First recorded August 22, 2026 · Latest coverage August 22, 2026 · 1 source

OpenAI said California should strengthen SB 53, an AI safety bill that the company had previously opposed, according to TechCrunch. The reported shift marks a notable change in the company’s public stance on a state-level AI policy proposal and suggests support for tougher safeguards than it backed earlier.

Why it matters: OpenAI is one of the most influential AI companies, so a reversal on a prominent state safety bill could affect how lawmakers, other labs, and industry groups approach AI regulation. A large lab publicly backing stronger requirements can reshape policy coalitions and the perceived political viability of stricter AI oversight.

Sources

• OpenAI says California should strengthen its AI safety bill TechCrunch · August 22, 2026