Pennsylvania Lawmakers Look to Set Guidelines on Safe AI Development

In recent years, the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Microsoft Copilot has left officials and regulators striving to keep pace. However, Pennsylvania lawmakers tasked with updating state laws and regulations in line with AI advancements are optimistic that 2025 will be a pivotal year for achieving their goals.

Legislative Hearings and Recommendations

Pennsylvania’s legislature is committed to establishing guidelines for the safe development and use of AI within the state, promoting a technology that already enjoys widespread adoption across industries, government, and the public. To initiate the process for 2025, the state House has formed a new Communications & Technology Committee that will play a key role in reviewing most AI-related proposals.

Scheduled hearings throughout the spring and summer will provide a platform for AI industry leaders to share their insights and concerns, guiding legislators in shaping effective AI policies. A comprehensive report with recommendations for AI policy is expected from the General Assembly’s research unit in the fall.

Tracy Pennycuick, chair of the state Senate’s Communications & Technology Committee, acknowledged the challenges posed by the complex nature of AI, noting that understanding AI intricacies is essential for meaningful legislative action. She emphasizes the importance of protecting consumers from AI misuse while enabling efficient and cost-effective government and business operations.

Instances of AI misuse have spurred legislative action, such as a case at Lancaster Country Day School where students allegedly used AI to create inappropriate images. Pennycuick played a pivotal role last year in advocating for a ban on such AI-generated “deepfakes” and child pornography. In the current session, she intends to introduce policies classifying deceptive deepfakes as forgery.

A Wave of Proposals

Already, more than a dozen AI-related proposals have emerged in the legislative session, reflecting a broad range of issues. Among these is a bill mandating that companies disclose AI usage in product sales within Pennsylvania, sponsored by Chester County Democrat Rep. Chris Pielli. Additionally, Rep. Napoleon Nelson, a Montgomery County Democrat, has introduced a proposal to prohibit foreign AI software on state-owned devices.

Tracy Pennycuick remains hopeful that several AI policies will pass either in late 2025 or early 2026. Pennsylvania previously joined 31 states in adopting AI-related resolutions or legislation. Notably, Colorado implemented a comprehensive AI law that aims to prevent discrimination, though criticism from AI developers suggests a need for refinement.

Collaboration and Education

Pennsylvania lawmakers are keen on avoiding excessively restrictive guidelines, according to Rep. Joe Ciresi, chair of the House Communications & Technology Committee. To that end, lawmakers are engaged in continuous discussions with tech giants like Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and TikTok to gain insights into industry demands.

“We aim to draft well-vetted legislation, ensuring everyone has access to the process,” Ciresi stated. “We need to fully understand the landscape before taking significant steps.”

Focus on Economic Growth

Late April saw a joint Pennsylvania House and Senate committee AI policy hearing in Pittsburgh, featuring testimony from economic development groups and AI experts. Participants highlighted the potential of AI to bolster the state’s economy and proposed energy policies that could support AI infrastructure, as emphasized by Joanna Doven of Pittsburgh’s AI Strike Team.

Future hearings in May and June are expected to further explore energy policy as a means to foster AI innovation. Christopher Martin of BNY’s AI Hub underscored the importance of attracting young AI talent and nurturing a vibrant AI ecosystem across the state.

Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman and House Majority Leader Matt Bradford have expressed support for AI-related legislative efforts. On April 24, the House Committee is set to consider a proposal from Philadelphia Democrat Tarik Khan to curb AI use in political campaigns and a resolution by Chester County Democrat Kristine Howard urging Congress to update federal copyright laws in response to AI-generated content.

Note: This article is inspired by content from govtech.com/artificial-intelligence/pa-lawmakers-look-to-set-guidelines-on-safe-ai-development. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.