Pennsylvania House Bill HR170

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/29/23
• Refer: 6/29/23
• Passed: 7/3/24

Caption

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee to conduct a study on the field of artificial intelligence and its impact and potential future impact in Pennsylvania.

Impact

The proposed committee is tasked with evaluating the implications of AI on labor markets, specifically the automation of jobs that threaten organized labor and blue-collar employment. Additionally, the bill requires an analysis of the fiscal impact of AI use in state government and recommendations on potential state regulations for the AI sector. This could lead to significant statutory changes aimed at ensuring ethical AI development and its responsible implementation across industries, further informing legislative action based on the study's findings within 18 months.

Summary

HR170 directs the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee aimed at studying the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) in Pennsylvania. The bill recognizes the rapid advancements in AI and its increasing utilization across various sectors. It seeks to ensure that the Commonwealth proactively addresses both the potential benefits and associated risks of AI, particularly considering concerns raised by experts about the pace at which AI technology is being adopted. The committee's work will focus on how AI can be integrated into state governance and how it affects workers and industries in Pennsylvania.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HR170 appears to be cautiously supportive, with recognition of the need for regulation amid concerns regarding the ethical use of AI technology. Supporters stress the importance of regulating AI to mitigate risks such as disinformation and job loss, while critics advocate for the need to balance innovation with protections for workers and society. There is a prevailing anxiety about AI's consequences that fuels a desire for due diligence in policy-making in this rapidly evolving field.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the balance between encouraging technological advancement and safeguarding jobs affected by AI. Advocates of the bill highlight the importance of responsible AI usage, particularly in areas such as cybersecurity and academic integrity, indicating that AI could exacerbate problems like misinformation and fraud. The required establishment of a framework for oversight and legislative guidance could lead to debates over the extent to which government should involve itself in such a fast-evolving tech landscape.