Teri Olle, Director of Economic Security California Action, in Sacramento to Support Two Bills Putting People Over Corporations

Press Release

Teri Olle, Director of Economic Security California Action, in Sacramento to Support Two Bills Putting People Over Corporations

04. 08. 2025

Statement from Teri Olle on Proposals to Democratize AI and Fight Algorithm-Driven Price Fixing

Sacramento, CA – Teri Olle, Director of Economic Security California Action (ESCAA), is in Sacramento today, April 8, in support of two groundbreaking bills that take on corporate greed and ensure AI advancements serve the public good. Olle will testify in support of AB 325, and later, SB 53 is expected to pass through committee on a consent vote.

AB 325 (Aguiar-Curry) 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) would create CalCompute, a public cloud infrastructure that expands access to AI resources and protects whistleblowers. 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 ESCAA, a co-sponsor of both bills, issued the following statement:

“Big Tech and wealthy corporations 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 level the playing field—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.

SB 53 and CalCompute reflect that vision. By investing in public AI infrastructure and protecting whistleblowers, we’re ensuring that the power of AI can be harnessed by researchers, entrepreneurs, and communities—not just the wealthiest players in the tech industry.

Similarly, AB 325 tackles a different but equally urgent threat: corporations using algorithms to secretly collude on prices. Families in California are already stretched thin—whether it’s at the grocery store or in the housing market. You can’t use digital tools to break the rules. Period.

We’re optimistic about seeing both bills progress, and we look forward to advancing these important legislative proposals that benefit all Californians.”