On April 9, Sen. Bill Dodd’s legislation attempting to set new regulations for the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, passed the Senate Governmental Organization committee on a 14-0 vote.
According to the press release, the proposed Senate Bill 896, would serve as, “…a guide for the decision-making of state agencies, departments and subdivisions in the review, adoption, management, governance and regulations of automated decision-making technologies.”
The 2023 White House Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights as well as the executive guidance from Gov. Newsom has established a framework for addressing concerns revolving around AI. Concerns that range from AI-driven algorithms that discriminate against people based on income levels or race to the effects of automated machines in the workforce.
Other factors to consider are properly maintaining data and consumer privacy and preventing the misuse of AI to deceive and defraud.
“Artificial intelligence has tremendous potential to improve our lives and the functioning of government,” Sen. Dodd, D-Napa, said in a press release from April 9. “But it also presents risks, specifically the threat to consumer privacy, transparency, and fairness. My proposal will help identify potential problems with these emerging systems and develop appropriate guidelines to protect our state and the public.”
Sen. Dodd’s California AI Accountability Act would also require agencies to notify users when they are interacting with AI. The press release goes on to add, “the intent of the Legislature that the private sector adheres to these rights and safeguards, in addition to any specific statutory or regulatory requirements, and evolving practices.”
The act also suggests that there be a push toward education surrounding AI which would include understanding AI as a means to benefit the workforce.
