Welcome to AI Decoded, Fast Company’s weekly newsletter that breaks down the most important news in the world of AI. I’m Mark Sullivan, a senior writer at Fast Company, covering emerging tech, AI, and tech policy.

This week, I’m focusing on California’s SB 53, the state’s second attempt at meaningful AI safety regulation. I also look at the ongoing VC spend-fest on vibe coding startups, and at a few of the AI features in the new Apple AirPods Pro 3.

A new California AI safety bill is marching toward passage

After House Republicans tried to include a state-level ban on AI regulation in Trump’s so-called Big Beautiful Bill in July, California is again moving to pass an AI safety law. Much of the country’s AI development happens in the state, and California’s approach often sets the tone f

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