Technology is constantly developing and growing as humanity aims to ascertain the true extent of its capabilities. In 2023, there's no greater example of this than artificial intelligence (AI) making waves in the medical field, restaurant industry, and other sectors.

In the world of AI, self-driving cars are an increasingly relevant part of the conversation. Proponents of these vehicles argue that cars which can drive themselves have the potential to make life easier for individuals and society.

However, critics believe self-driving cars could rip away jobs from rideshare drivers, delivery drivers, and other working-class people.

As the debate over the pros and cons of self-driving vehicles continues, the lack of a unanimous consensus is creating problems in California.

Head-butting over AB 316

In the California state legislature, AB 316 was introduced. Put simply, this legislation, if passed into law, would require the presence of humans working as safety operators within self-driving vehicles containing weight above 10,000 pounds.

While California Gov. Gavin Newsom does not support this legislation, various unions and other groups in the state very much favor AB 316. Hence, Newsom now remains under fire from members of his constituency that believe he's selling out to the elites within Big Tech.

Advocates of AB 316 have also pointed to polling that demonstrates considerable support for the proposal.

As noted by Sean O'Brien, the president of Teamsters General, a survey conducted by Fairbank, Maslin, Maullin, Metz & Associates (FM3) confirms 73% of California voters back AB 316. Within the 73%, strong support for the proposal stands at 48%.

For this reason, O'Brien and others believe that Newsom's position on AB 316 should mirror the majority of voters within his state.

All eyes on Newsom

If AB 316 were to arrive on the California governor's desk, his refusal to sign the bill would throw a serious wrench in it passing into law.

Should Newsom veto this legislation, it would die on the grapevine, unless the California state legislature managed to override a potential veto with two-thirds of the vote in support of AB 316 in both the House and Senate.

Of course, the easiest path to AB 316's success is getting Newsom on board with it. Whether or not this can happen later down the line remains to be seen.