Lawmakers pitch study panel to guide state AI regulations
When it comes to reviewing state and local governments' artificial intelligence regulations, a bipartisan pair of lawmakers contend more eyes are needed.
A measure (HB 663) recently introduced by Rep. Christine Cockley, D-Columbus, and Rep. Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, aims to do that by creating an AI study commission.
Cockley said the idea to form a commission came after attending an AI conference in Chicago exploring the opportunities and challenges the nascent technology presents.
“While there, we discussed how many different states have also done the same thing, and they did it through an AI working group or commission as one of the first steps,” she said in an interview.
“And so, I thought this would be a great way for legislators to come together and listen to the professionals doing the work, to see what their experiences were, what their recommendations are.”
The panel would comprise 15 members, including the state chief information officer, who would serve as cochair alongside the director of the Department of Commerce.
Other members would include one majority and one minority member from each legislative chamber, six gubernatorial appointees and appointees of the directors of the departments of Agriculture, Public Safety and Education & Workforce.
By Dec. 31, 2028, the commission would be tasked with filing a report detailing its findings with the governor and chamber leaders of both parties.
Fischer, although typically not a supporter of study commissions, said bringing in experts could help the state shape an AI policy that could rope in considerable economic investment.
“We have a great business climate, we have a great workforce,” he said. “We have great universities that are capable of training people in the fields that they need, and I think it's a great opportunity to bring some of these folks to relocate here in Ohio help keep some of our college graduates.”
Both lawmakers are already leading their own AI measures, including two that will be heard during a House Technology & Innovation Committee hearing on Tuesday.
Cockley and Rep. Ty Mathews, R-Findlay, have a measure (HB 524) that prevents chatbots from encouraging users to harm themselves scheduled for proponent testimony. Amendments could also come to a proposal (HB 392) from Fischer and Rep. Steve Demetriou, R-Bainbridge Twp., that seeks to prevent a patchwork of AI regulations at the local level.
What could complicate matters is an executive order signed by President Donald Trump effectively prohibiting state governments from enforcing their own AI policies.
Lawmakers nationwide have lambasted the directive, including Cockley, and have asked Congress to reject the moratorium.
Asked whether the executive order could impact HB663 or other AI measures, Cockley said the sponsors still intend to move full steam ahead.
The bill is not the first study commission proposed in recent weeks. Several others were introduced during the Legislature's holiday break, such as those to examine quantum computing (HB 650) and the environment and energy concerns with data centers (HB 646).
Senate Democrats, meanwhile, are planning a Tuesday press conference "calling for Data Center Accountability" and legislation to that effect.
Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-Lakewood, previously foreshadowed that push, saying, "We need a strategy for sustainability.”