CalCompute: foundation models: whistleblowers.

Senator Wiener's proposal to establish a state-owned cloud computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence development pairs this technical initiative with new protections for employees who report safety risks at AI companies. The legislation creates "CalCompute," a public computing cluster housed within the University of California system, while instituting whistleblower safeguards for workers at major AI developers.

A 14-member consortium within the Government Operations Agency would develop CalCompute's framework by January 2027, focusing on expanding access to computing resources and fostering public-benefit research. The consortium, comprising representatives from academia, labor organizations, consumer advocacy groups, and AI experts, must outline governance structures, usage parameters, and workforce development pathways. The initiative requires dedicated funding through the state budget to take effect.

The bill's whistleblower provisions apply to companies that have invested over $100 million in training foundation models. These companies must create anonymous reporting channels for employees who identify potential risks of their AI systems causing deaths, injuries, or property damage exceeding specified thresholds. Protected disclosures include risks related to weapons development, cyberattacks, or AI systems evading human control. Employees may report concerns to company leadership, state attorneys general, or federal authorities without retaliation, with courts authorized to grant injunctive relief and attorney fees in successful cases.