Press Release

California Legislature Advances Bills to Democratize AI Access and Fight Algorithm-Driven Price Fixing

08. 29. 2025

Statement from Teri Olle, Director of Economic Security California Action, on AB 325 and SB 53 Moving to Final Floor Votes

Sacramento, CA – Today important legislation that improves the way technology works for Californians, rather than serving the interest of big business, was passed out of Appropriations committees and to a floor vote for full passage. 

AB 325 (Aguiar-Curry) passed out of the Senate appropriations committee on a party line 5-2 vote and now moves to the Senate for a floor vote. The bill cracks down on algorithmic price fixing, banning software that allows corporations to inflate prices on essentials like housing and groceries. The bill targets the tech-driven tactics fueling California’s affordability crisis.

SB 53 (Wiener) passed out of the Assembly Appropriations committee with all Democrats supporting and Republicans not voting;  it now moves to the Assembly for a floor vote. The bill would create CalCompute, a public cloud infrastructure that expands access to AI resources, expands whistleblower protections, and requires transparency from large model developers about safety measures. By offering a public alternative to Big Tech, the bill helps ensure the benefits of AI innovation are shared more equitably.

Teri Olle, Director of Economic Security California Action (ESCAA), a co-sponsor of both bills, issued the following statement:

“Big Tech and corporate giants shouldn’t have a stranglehold on AI or be allowed to rig prices with secret algorithms. SB 53 and AB 325 take critical steps to restore economic competition, democratizing access to AI, driving innovation, and bringing down costs for Californians. Together, these proposals move us closer to an economy that works for everyone.

Californians deserve technology that drives progress, not profiteering, and that’s why this legislation is so critical. We’re encouraged by their momentum and look forward to seeing them advance.”

AB 325 and SB 53 will next move to the floor (to the Senate, and Assembly, respectively) for a full passage vote.  ESCAA urges legislators to continue supporting these critical bills that will protect California consumers from algorithmic price manipulation, restore fair competition to our markets, and ensure AI innovation benefits everyone.