AI Legislation Across the US

AI’s potential to revolutionize industries, enhance government operations, and improve individual lives is immense. From powering homes smartly to enabling the elderly to maintain independence, from transforming healthcare technologies to driving autonomous vehicles, AI’s applications are vast and varied. Yet, “with great power comes great responsibility” especially when it comes to AI legislation, we need to remember Uncle Ben’s advice from Spider Man. As AI’s capabilities have taken the spotlight, it has ignited discussions about the need for comprehensive, dependable, and ethically sound legislative frameworks.

In the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence (AI), where technology extends its roots into the fabric of daily life, the United States stands at the forefront of a legislative movement aimed at guiding the development and implementation of AI systems. I’m deeply interested in the rapid development of AI, I find myself increasingly drawn to the legal landscape that surrounds it. It’s becoming more and more evident that as AI technology advances, so too must our legal frameworks.

Check out my blog post “2023 AI State Legislation Adopted or Enacted” for more information about bills that have already been adopted or enacted.

The Drive for Standards and Legislation

As AI technology progresses, its commercialization brings forth a slew of products and services designed to make our lives more convenient and efficient. However, the potential for misuse or unintended negative outcomes has prompted significant attention towards creating a governance framework that ensures AI’s benefits are maximized while its risks are minimized.

The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has been pivotal in these efforts, orchestrating workshops and discussions across sectors to craft federal standards for AI systems that are not only effective but also trustworthy.

Legislative Landscape Across the States

The legislative response to AI’s rapid proliferation has been noteworthy. In 2024 alone, over 40 states along with Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington, D.C., have introduced AI-related bills. These legislative efforts aim to address a spectrum of issues from ethical AI use in public sectors to specific applications like education and law enforcement. Here is the list of current adopted and enacted legislation by state.

For a full list of pending legislation by state visit Artificial Intelligence 2024 Legislation by National Conference of State Legislatures.

Jurisdiction	Bill Number	Bill Title	Bill Status	Category
Indiana	S 150	Technology	Enacted	Education Use; Government Use; Studies
New Mexico	H 182	Campaign Reporting Act	Enacted	Elections
Puerto Rico	HR 1097	Public Safety and Science and Technology	Adopted	Government Use; Private Sector Use; Responsible Use; Studies
South Dakota	S 79	Child Pornography	Enacted	Child Pornography; Criminal Use
Tennessee	S 1711	Use of Artificial Intelligence Technology by Students	Enacted	Education Uses
U.S. Virgin Islands	B 131	Real Time Crime Center	Enacted	Government Use
Utah	H 366	Criminal Justice Amendments	Enacted	Government Use
Utah	S 84	Governors Office of Economic Opportunity	Enacted	Education/Training
Utah	S 131	Information Technology Act Amendments	Enacted	Elections
Utah	S 149	Artificial Intelligence Amendments	Enacted	Notification; Oversight/Governance; Private Sector Use
West Virginia	HR 3	Artificial Intelligence Select Committee	Adopted	Studies

Legislatively, 2024 has been a dynamic year for AI policy so far. Numerous states, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, have introduced or passed legislation to address various aspects of AI technology and its applications. This includes the creation of AI task forces in states like Indiana, and significant updates to laws in South Dakota concerning digital content. Tennessee and Utah have also taken steps to integrate AI governance into educational and policy frameworks, respectively.

Key Trends and Legislation

Algorithmic Bias and Employment Decisions: New York has been at the forefront with notable legislative efforts. Assembly Member George Alvarez introduced two pivotal bills aimed at Automated Employment Decision Tools (AEDTs). One requires employers to conduct annual disparate impact analyses of these tools, ensuring their decisions do not unfairly discriminate against certain groups. This move underscores a significant shift towards transparency and fairness in employment-related AI applications.

Comprehensive AI Bills and State Actions: States like Utah have made strides with comprehensive legislation. Utah’s bill not only tackles liability in consumer protection laws related to AI use but also establishes an Office of Artificial Intelligence Policy. This office aims to guide the development and ethical deployment of AI technologies, signaling a proactive approach to AI governance.

The AI Bill of Rights: Oklahoma introduced an intriguing legislative piece granting citizens specific rights concerning AI interaction, data usage, and media generated by AI. This AI Bill of Rights is a pioneering effort to give consumers more control and awareness over how AI impacts their daily lives and personal data.

This proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to navigating the complexities of AI integration into society. By developing standards and legislations, stakeholders aim to balance innovation with accountability, ensuring that AI technologies enhance our lives without compromising ethical values or safety.

For anyone involved with or interested in AI, staying informed about these developments is crucial. Engaging with ongoing legislative efforts and understanding the standards being set at national and international levels will be key to navigating the future of AI. As we look forward to the rest of the year, the intersection of technology, policy, and ethics is likely to become even more critical as we seek to harness AI’s potential responsibly.

The Road Ahead

The legislative endeavors across the U.S. underscore a keen awareness of AI’s dual nature—as a tool for unprecedented progress and as a potential source of challenges requiring thoughtful regulation. Lawmakers continue to weigh AI’s advantages against its risks, proposing measures aimed at understanding and guiding its development.

This legislative diversity on state-level supported by various initiatives, reflects a broader national commitment to fostering AI technologies that are not only innovative but also equitable and safe. As AI continues to shape our world, the dialogue between technology and legislation remains a critical one, ensuring that the future we build is one that benefits all.

A Global Conversation with Local Nuances

The U.S. approach to AI legislation, characterized by its state-driven nature, highlights the importance of local contexts in addressing global technological trends. It serves as a microcosm of the larger, international effort to harness the benefits of AI while safeguarding against its potential pitfalls. As this conversation evolves, the U.S. legislative framework offers valuable lessons and insights for policymakers worldwide, standing as a testament to the critical role of governance in the age of artificial intelligence.

Blog Notes: I was not paid to write this blog post and I will not receive any compensation if you follow the links. I have utilized AI technology and tools in the creation of this blog post but everything has been edited by me for reader consumption and accuracy. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me by completing the contact form on the front page of my website.

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