By Donovan Johnson
State lawmakers across the United States are racing to regulate artificial intelligence (AI) technology, with a specific focus on their own state governments before imposing restrictions on the private sector. Legislators are working to protect constituents from discrimination and other potential harms while also ensuring that advancements in medicine, science, business, and education are not hindered. Connecticut, for example, plans to inventory all of its government systems that use AI and make this information publicly available by the end of 2023. State officials will then regularly review these systems to ensure that they do not lead to any unlawful discrimination.
Connecticut state Senator James Maroney, an expert in AI in the General Assembly, stated that legislators will likely shift their focus to the private industry next year. Maroney plans to work with lawmakers in other states, including Colorado, New York, Virginia, Minnesota, and more, to develop broad AI legislation that addresses issues like product liability and requires impact assessments of AI systems.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, at least 25 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia have introduced AI bills this year. Fourteen states and Puerto Rico have already enacted legislation or adopted resolutions related to AI. Some states, such as Texas, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico, have established advisory bodies to study and monitor AI systems used by state agencies.
Lawmakers are keen to gather data and understand how AI is being utilized within their state borders. Connecticut’s new law, for example, requires regular scrutiny of AI systems used by state agencies to detect potential unlawful discrimination. The implementation of this law follows an investigation by Yale Law School, which found that AI is already being used in Connecticut’s government for various tasks, such as school assignments and welfare benefits distribution.
The European Union has been at the forefront of AI regulations worldwide. While there has been discussion of bipartisan AI legislation in the US Congress, state legislatures are taking the lead due to the federal government’s slower pace. Several state-level bills have been proposed this year with different focuses, such as limitations on AI use by mental health providers and restrictions on employers using AI in automated decision-making processes.
Overall, state lawmakers recognize the need for AI regulation to prevent harm while also fostering innovation and advancement. By first focusing on government AI regulations, they aim to set an example and develop effective frameworks before moving on to regulate the private sector.
