Senator McNerney Will Address UN on AI Safety Risks
The California lawmaker will discuss international coordination for AI risk assessment during UNGA 81 this September.
Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Senator Jerry McNerney is scheduled to speak at the United Nations on September 23 and 24, 2026, regarding AI safety risks and evaluation frameworks. These upcoming appearances at the 81st UN General Assembly aim to promote global cooperation on AI crisis preparedness.
Why it matters
McNerney advocates for targeted moratoria on AI systems to address current gaps in regulatory oversight, a position informed by his work on California state legislation. His efforts reflect a broader push for international standards to manage the safety and security risks posed by rapid AI development.
The Senator authored SB 813, which establishes a framework for third-party AI safety risk assessments, and SB 947, the No Robo Bosses Act of 2026. The latter mandate requires human oversight of AI systems within the workplace.
The players
Jerry McNerney
A California State Senator representing the 5th District who formerly served 16 years in the U.S. House and chaired the Congressional Artificial Intelligence Caucus.
Gavin Newsom
The Governor of California who signed an executive order on September 18, 2026, to accelerate the implementation of AI safety frameworks.
The details
McNerney plans to discuss mechanisms for governing AI at speed, emphasizing international coordination for crisis preparedness. His approach centers on legal mandates for human oversight, exemplified by the proposed No Robo Bosses Act, which seeks to prevent fully autonomous workplace management. He brings experience from his tenure as chair of the Artificial Intelligence Caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Timeline
September 18, 2026: Governor Gavin Newsom signed an executive order to accelerate the implementation of SB 813.
September 23, 2026: McNerney speaks on a UN panel regarding best practices for evaluating AI safety risks.
September 24, 2026: McNerney speaks at the UN regarding artificial intelligence safety risks.
The Tech Race
McNerney is moving California's legislative framework for AI safety onto the international stage at the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. His participation positions California's regulatory approach as a model for the ongoing global race to define crisis preparedness standards for AI.
The proposed legislation affects workplace technology by mandating human oversight for systems currently transitioning to autonomous management. Residents should watch for the upcoming enactment of SB 947, which will set specific legal requirements for employers integrating AI into professional environments.
The takeaway
McNerney's efforts underscore a shift toward legislative constraints on AI autonomy in the workplace. Stakeholders should monitor the governor's office for the final signing of SB 947, which will officially codify these oversight requirements into state law.
What happens next
SB 947, known as the No Robo Bosses Act of 2026, currently awaits Governor Newsom's signature to become law.
Further reading
For more on the policy landscape in the state, visit California Artificial Intelligence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Manteca Bulletin.
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