Tennessee House Bill HB2325

Tennessee 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/24
• Refer: 2/1/24
• Refer: 3/6/24
• Refer: 3/13/24
• Refer: 4/17/24
• Engrossed: 4/24/24
• Enrolled: 4/30/24
• Passed: 5/21/24
• Chaptered: 5/29/24

Caption

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, relative to the artificial intelligence advisory council.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2325 would significantly influence how the state approaches emerging technologies, particularly AI. The advisory council is tasked with reporting on the current landscape of AI, assessing its impact on the labor market, and identifying industry-specific initiatives to foster economic growth. By promoting the responsible use of AI, the bill aims to improve government services while addressing potential risks associated with AI technologies. Furthermore, the council is expected to make recommendations for fostering innovation and protecting citizens' rights amidst the technological transition.

Summary

House Bill 2325, known as the Tennessee Artificial Intelligence Advisory Council Act, seeks to establish a formal structure to guide the implementation and usage of artificial intelligence (AI) in state and local government. The bill mandates the creation of an advisory council composed of various state officials and representatives from the public and private sectors. The council's purpose is to develop an action plan that aligns AI deployments with state policies and goals while ensuring public employees can efficiently deliver services to citizens. The bill emphasizes the need for strategic investment in AI to harness potential benefits across governmental functions.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 2325 appears largely positive among legislators who recognize the potential of AI to enhance state services and overall economic development. Supporters highlight the bill as a proactive approach to modern governance, emphasizing the need to stay ahead of technological advancements. Conversely, there may be concerns regarding the ethical implications of AI usage and the potential displacement of jobs in certain sectors, which some critics of similar legislative measures may voice. Overall, the discussions reflect a growing acknowledgment of AI's role in state governance and service delivery.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 2325 may relate to the transparency and accountability mechanisms for AI deployment via state and local agencies. As AI technologies raise questions about ethics and bias, there may be calls for stricter regulations to guard against misuse. Moreover, the balance between innovation and labor impact is likely to be debated, particularly regarding the necessity of retraining programs for workers whose jobs may be affected by increased automation. The conversation will revolve around ensuring that the potential benefits of AI do not outweigh the risks posed to the workforce and societal values.