Introduction

Georgia lawmakers are considering legislation to establish state standards for regulating emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The inaugural hearing of a state Senate study committee highlighted that AI will dramatically affect a wide range of government policy areas, including economic development, health care, education, public safety, and transportation.

Impact on Elections

One public policy area already being affected by AI is elections. “Deep fakes” are cropping up in political ads, digitally altering a candidate’s appearance or voice. A bill introduced in the Georgia House of Representatives aimed to criminalize the use of deep fakes in political ads, but it did not pass in the state Senate.

Public Safety

AI is already capable of picking up 911 calls and dispatching responders, ensuring no one is ever on hold. This technology is expected to revolutionize public safety by providing immediate responses.

Transportation

AI’s role in transportation is being demonstrated by autonomous vehicles, drone deliveries, and traffic management technology. Eventually, AI will guide decisions on infrastructure projects like widening highways or building bridges.

Education

AI is poised to revolutionize education. “We’ve been teaching the same way for 85 years,” said Sen. John Albers. AI will bring new methods and technologies to the classroom, adapting to the changing world.

Healthcare

In healthcare, AI’s data consolidation capabilities could help researchers cure diseases like cancer. The technology offers immense potential for advancements in medical research and patient care.

Economic Development

The legislature could encourage the private sector with incentives to foster AI technology as an economic development tool. “We have a real opportunity to create a massive number of startups in this state,” said Pascal Van Hentenryck, a professor at Georgia Tech.

Equity Component

Any regulation of AI must include an equity component to ensure inclusivity. “We don’t want to exclude people in this,” Albers said. “We want to defeat the digital divide.”

Future Hearings

The study committee will hold several hearings this summer and fall, including sessions away from the Capitol. One session will be held in Augusta, home to the Georgia Cyber Innovation & Training Center. The committee is due to release recommendations for proposed legislation by Dec. 1.

This story comes to Rough Draft via a media partnership with Capitol Beat.

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