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California's SB 53, a landmark AI transparency law requiring major AI companies to publish safety and security details and protect whistleblowers, took effect January 1, 2026. The law is a revised version of SB 1047, which Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed in 2024 after heated debate. Additional California bills including SB 243 (companion chatbot regulations) and SB 524 (AI disclosure by law enforcement) also went into effect. The legislation sets up California as a test case for state AI laws amid the Trump administration's efforts to ban such state regulations entirely. The Verge reported the core details. California State Senate District 11 noted additional context. AI CERTs News added corroborating details.