Rhode Island House Bill H7223

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/22
• Refer: 1/26/22

Caption

Relating To State Affairs And Government

Impact

The bill requires state offices to conduct a thorough inventory of all AI systems they employ, covering aspects from procurement to ongoing evaluation. It places an emphasis on principles such as transparency, accountability, and the prevention of algorithmic biases which might result in disparate impacts on various communities. By instituting formal guidelines and principles for the utilization of AI technologies in government, the bill seeks to mitigate risks associated with automated decision-making, emphasizing the need for compliance with data protection laws and ethical usage norms.

Summary

House Bill 7223 establishes a permanent commission within the Rhode Island Department of Administration to monitor the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision systems in state government. This commission is tasked with providing oversight and recommendations concerning the implementation of these technologies, ensuring they do not adversely affect human welfare or legal rights. It aims to continuously study the impact of these systems and promote equitable and transparent practices in their usage by state agencies.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding HB 7223 that hinge on the balance between technological advancement and civil liberties. While supporters advocate for the safeguards the commission would provide against potential misuse of AI, critics may argue that such oversight could impose unnecessary regulatory burdens on government operations. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the effective implementation of the Commission’s recommendations and whether agencies will willingly comply with the transparency and accountability mandates spelled out in the bill.