Kentucky bill targets use of 'deceptive' AI images, videos in elections
Two Kentucky lawmakers want to establish regulations around artificial intelligence in the public sector.
Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, filed Senate Bill 4, which addresses AI use in state agencies and concerns around AI-generated misinformation in elections.
The bill creates guidelines for state government that require departments to disclose the use of AI systems, conduct risk assessments and obtain approval from the Commonwealth Office of Technology before implementation, according to a press release. The bill also requires the office to establish an AI oversight committee to develop AI use standards, among other provisions.
In the release, Bledsoe said SB 4 ensures "AI is used transparently, responsibly and with human accountability at every level."
Bledsoe co-chaired the 2024 Artificial Intelligence Task Force alongside Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, who filed similar legislation in the House.
Outside state agencies, her bill requires disclosure for AI-generated content in political messaging and institutes legal remedies for candidates targeted by "deceptive" media, including digitally-altered images, audio and video.
According to the bill's language, a candidate may "bring an action for damages against the sponsor of the electioneering communication," which includes any communication spread by "cable, internet, television, radio or printed in a newspaper."
Electioneering communication does not include news articles, editorial endorsements, opinions or letters to the editor printed in a newspaper or magazine "not owned or controlled by a candidate, committee or political party," among other exceptions.
Senate President Robert Stivers previously told reporters legislation regarding AI would likely be brought up during this year's session.
"Having appropriate notifications and disclosures (of uses of) AI, I think that's the realm (the legislation will) be in," Stivers said in early February. "But I want to say this, it is so fast changing, it's hard to keep up."
Other state legislatures have also introduced restrictions and disclosures around AI. Utah, for example, passed a bill last year requiring specific entities to disclose when generative AI is used, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.
In a statement, Bledsoe said her legislation is aimed at protecting Kentuckians in the future.
"As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into government operations, we need to establish clear guidelines now to protect Kentuckians into the future, because it's going to be a challenge to keep up with this technology as it is," she said.
Reach reporter Hannah Pinski at hpinski@courier-journal.com or follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @hannahpinski.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky bills tackle use of AI in elections, state agencies
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