Philadelphia, PA − September 15, 2026 − As leading artificial intelligence researchers and executives publicly warn that the technology is advancing faster than adequate safety measures, State Senator Art Haywood (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) announced plans to pursue legislation establishing new transparency and safety requirements for AI companies operating in Pennsylvania.
The announcement comes amid a growing debate over the risks of increasingly advanced AI systems. In recent days, researchers at Anthropic have warned that the technology could pose an existential threat to humanity, while Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has called for the industry to slow its development so safety measures can catch up. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and other technology leaders have also expressed concerns about the pace of AI development.
Senator Haywood released the following statement:
“The recent warnings from artificial intelligence developers that rapidly advancing technology poses an urgent threat to humanity are a call to action.
“The national government has a responsibility to protect the security and dignity of people today and for generations to come. When Washington fails to act, Pennsylvanians cannot afford to wait.
“That is why I am developing Pennsylvania legislation to establish meaningful guardrails around AI.
“AI companies should be accountable for how their systems operate and the risks they create. I am examining international approaches to AI regulation and working with experts across Pennsylvania to develop legislation that would require AI companies to report how they identify, mitigate, and govern substantial risks.
“Additional legislation could require regular transparency reports and critical-incident reporting, giving the public and policymakers a clearer understanding of when AI systems cause serious harm and what companies are doing to prevent these dangers.
“If AI continues developing without meaningful safeguards, increasingly consequential decisions could be made for us rather than by us. We cannot allow CEOs of AI companies to dictate the fate of humanity. Our privacy, autonomy, and dignity are at stake.
“The challenge of regulating AI is enormous, but inaction is not an option. I invite Pennsylvanians, technology experts, advocates, and policymakers to share their ideas with my office about how our Commonwealth can lead where Washington has failed to act.”
Senator Haywood is currently examining regulatory approaches used internationally and developing potential legislation focused on corporate accountability, transparency, and critical-incident reporting.
Potential legislation could require AI companies to:
- Report how they identify and mitigate substantial risks associated with their AI systems;
- Disclose how they govern and oversee significant AI-related risks;
- Publish regular transparency reports detailing safety practices and significant incidents; and
- Report critical incidents in which AI systems cause serious harm or present significant risks to the public.
Senator Haywood has not announced a specific timeline for introducing legislation and is seeking input from Pennsylvania residents, technology experts, advocates, researchers, and policymakers as the proposal develops.
Members of the public and experts interested in contributing to Senator Haywood’s work on AI regulation are encouraged to contact his office.