Rhode Island 2023 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H6423

Introduced
5/19/23  
Refer
5/19/23  
Report Pass
6/12/23  

Caption

House Resolution Respectfully Requesting The Department Of Administration And The Office Of Information Technology To Review And Evaluate The Use And Development Of Artificial Intelligence (ai) And Automated Decision Systems And Provide Recommendations Regarding Ongoing And Upcoming Plans To Expand Their Use And Current Security And Implementation Procedures

Impact

The bill's passage signals an approach by the Rhode Island legislature to adapt to the growing influence of AI technologies in public administration. It mandates a comprehensive evaluation of existing automated systems, focusing on how they can both assist in decision-making and potentially perpetuate biases, particularly regarding race and gender. The Department of Administration is tasked with being proactive about understanding and mitigating the risks associated with algorithmic decision-making, thus ensuring that state practices align with modern ethical standards and technical requirements.

Summary

House Bill 6423 is a resolution that requests the Department of Administration and the Office of Information Technology in Rhode Island to review and evaluate the use and development of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision systems. The bill emphasizes the potential impacts of AI technologies on various sectors such as finance, healthcare, and public safety. It seeks to ensure that these technologies are implemented with adequate security measures and oversight to protect citizens' welfare while promoting transparency in their use.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 6423 has generally been positive, reflecting a recognition of the importance of responsibly integrating AI into governmental operations. Legislators have shown consensus on the need for oversight and careful consideration of the implications of AI on civil rights and autonomy. However, there are underlying tensions regarding the adequacy of state resources and expertise to oversee such advanced technologies effectively, which have been raised by critiques of the bill's capacity to fully address all necessary considerations.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the practicality and thoroughness of the evaluations mandated by the bill. Critics argue that merely reviewing existing automated decision systems may not be sufficient in addressing the broader systemic issues related to AI, including the potential for systemic bias and the digital divide. Moreover, concerns have been voiced about the adequacy of proposed timelines for implementing recommendations and whether they will genuinely lead to meaningful changes in AI policy and practice within state agencies.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI HB981

State Department of Education and Department of Information Technology - Evaluation on Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools

RI SB704

State Department of Education and Department of Information Technology - Evaluation on Artificial Intelligence in Public Schools

RI SB657

(Second New Title) relative to the use of information technology and artificial intelligence systems by state agencies.

RI HB4770

Establishing limitations on the use of artificial intelligence and artificial intelligence technology to deliver mental health care, with exceptions for administrative support functions

RI SB719

An act to amend Sections 28200, 28202, 28206, 28222, 28224, 28226, and 28244 of, and to add Section 28246 to, the Vehicle Code, relating to vehicles, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately.

RI H5123

Requires DOA provide inventory of all state agencies using artificial intelligence (AI); establishes a 13 member permanent commission to monitor the use of AI in state government and makes recommendations for state government policy and other decisions.

RI H7119

Requires DOA provide inventory of all state agencies using artificial intelligence (AI); establishes a 13 member permanent commission to monitor the use of AI in state government and makes recommendations for state government policy and other decisions.

RI A2608

Provides funding to nonprofit organizations to implement smart technology and artificial intelligence systems to enhance security infrastructure.

RI HB3545

Technology; artificial intelligence; state agencies; prohibited uses; permitted uses; Office of Management and Enterprise Services; effective date.

RI SB1633

TEST AI Act of 2025 Testing and Evaluation Systems for Trusted Artificial Intelligence Act of 2025

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