New Jersey Assembly Bill A1781

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Requires Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to conduct study and issue report on impact of artificial intelligence on growth of State's economy.

Impact

The implications of A1781 are significant for state legislation and workforce planning. By investigating the projected effects of AI on the labor market, the bill seeks to inform policymakers about potential changes required in education and training programs to equip the next generation with necessary skills. This could potentially influence funding and legislative support for educational initiatives that focus on technology and advanced skills, ensuring that the workforce remains competitive in an increasingly automated economy.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1781 requires the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development in New Jersey to conduct a comprehensive study on the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the state's economy. This bill aims to understand how the advancement of AI technology might affect various job markets, particularly for highly-skilled professionals such as doctors, lawyers, and data analysts. The study is anticipated to encompass a full year, after which the commissioner is mandated to report findings to the Governor and relevant legislative committees, detailing the implications for the workforce and potential new occupations that may emerge as AI continues to evolve.

Contention

While the bill is generally viewed as a proactive approach to prepare for economic changes induced by AI, it does raise concerns about the speed of technological adoption and its uneven impact across different sectors. Potential opposition may come from groups worried that the rapid rise of automation could jeopardize jobs for lower-skilled workers without addressing retraining programs for those displaced. Critics may argue that a focus on high-skilled positions could overshadow the challenges faced by workers in lower-skilled jobs, leading to disparities in economic opportunity.