# California's AI kill switch plan

> Governor Newsom is pushing for mandatory safety controls on AI systems as Congress stalls on regulation.
- Title: California's AI kill switch plan · The Verge | Shortify
- Summary: Governor Newsom is pushing for mandatory safety controls on AI systems as Congress stalls on regulation. California is positioning itself as a leader on AI…
- Keywords: gavin newsom, california, ai regulation, kill switch, ai safety, executive order, ai oversight, independent audits, ai policy, congress, ai companies, technology
- Source: The Verge — https://theverge.com/policy/997516/california-governor-newsom-ai-kill-switch
- Author: Lauren Feiner
- Published: 2026-09-18T17:04:51+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: gavin newsom, california, ai regulation, kill switch, ai safety, executive order, ai oversight, independent audits, ai policy, congress, ai companies, technology
## Newsom orders AI safety review
California's governor issued an executive order Friday directing state experts to recommend how to strengthen AI safety measures within two months.
## Kill switch and audits required
The order asks experts to consider requiring AI companies to embed independent auditors onsite, create verifiable kill switches, and report loss-of-control incidents as critical safety events.
## Congress unlikely to act soon
With the House on recess until November and midterm elections approaching, meaningful federal AI legislation faces little chance of passing before 2026.
## Trump dismisses AI guardrails
President Trump has stated that AI only needs a strong president as oversight, dismissing the need for regulatory guardrails on the technology.

> The only control or 'guardrails' that AI needs is a STRONG AND SMART PRESIDENT
## California as federal model
Newsom is positioning California's framework as a template for national AI policy, calling on Congress and Trump to adopt or exceed the state's standards.

> The federal government's abject failure to create any form of meaningful AI oversight or accountability should alarm every American
## Special session possible
Newsom has floated calling a special legislative session on AI alongside further executive action, signaling California's commitment to rapid AI oversight implementation.
## Key takeaway

California is positioning itself as a leader on AI safety by proposing independent audits, transparency requirements, and kill switches for AI models while federal action remains unlikely.