The hearing was held on March 8, 2023, and it was attended by a diverse group of experts and stakeholders, including representatives from the tech industry, academia, and government agencies.
The AI Policy Landscape
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation has been actively involved in shaping the nation’s AI policy. The committee’s efforts have been instrumental in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI. The committee’s focus on AI policy has been driven by the need to ensure that the benefits of AI are equitably distributed and that the risks are mitigated. The committee has held numerous hearings and workshops to gather input from experts and stakeholders on the development and deployment of AI. The committee has also conducted extensive research on the impact of AI on various sectors, including healthcare, education, and transportation. The committee’s efforts have been guided by a comprehensive framework that considers the social, economic, and environmental implications of AI.
Expert Testimony
The hearing on March 8, 2023, was a significant event in the committee’s efforts to shape the nation’s AI policy.
“I am deeply concerned about the lack of transparency and accountability in the development and deployment of AI systems,” she stated. “We need to ensure that these systems are designed and implemented in a way that prioritizes human values and promotes fairness and equity for all Americans.”
The AI Transparency and Accountability Act
The AI Transparency and Accountability Act, introduced by Sen. Blackburn, aims to address the concerns raised by the Chair and Sen. Blackburn regarding the lack of transparency and accountability in AI systems. The bill seeks to promote the development and deployment of AI systems that prioritize human values and promote fairness and equity for all Americans.
Key Provisions
The Economic Potential of Emerging Technologies
The U.S. economy is poised to be transformed by emerging technologies, which are expected to drive growth, innovation, and job creation.
AI and GenAI Legislative Landscape
The legislative landscape surrounding AI and GenAI is complex and multifaceted. The United States Congress has introduced numerous bills and resolutions aimed at regulating and guiding the development of artificial intelligence and genetic artificial intelligence. As of the 118th Congress, more than 120 bills have been introduced, covering a wide range of topics, including data privacy, cybersecurity, and the ethics of AI decision-making.
Key Areas of Focus
The AI package had been in the works for several months, with the aim of creating a unified federal framework for the regulation of artificial intelligence. This framework would address various issues, including data privacy, cybersecurity, and job displacement due to automation. However, the disagreement over the package’s scope and funding had created tension among lawmakers. On December 10th, 2023, the House passed a bill to extend the current ban on the use of facial recognition technology in federal law enforcement. The Senate had already passed a similar bill in October 2023, but the House bill was seen as more comprehensive. The House bill also included provisions for the creation of an AI safety commission. On December 13th, 2023, the Senate passed a bill to ban the use of facial recognition technology in federal law enforcement. The Senate bill did not include the provisions for the AI safety commission.
The Impact of the Lame Duck Session
The lame duck session of Congress, which typically occurs in the last few weeks of the current legislative session, may have significant implications for the bills that have already passed out of committee. These bills, which were previously considered to be on track for passage, may now face increased scrutiny and opposition in the full Senate and House of Representatives.
The Process of a Lame Duck Session
A lame duck session occurs when the current legislative session is nearing its end, and the majority party in the Senate and House of Representatives is no longer in control of the legislative agenda. This can happen when the majority party loses seats in the elections or when the party switches control of the legislative branch. As a result, the lame duck session is often characterized by a lack of urgency and a sense of inevitability, as the majority party is no longer able to push through its legislative agenda.
The Bills That May Be Delayed
The AI County Compass is a comprehensive resource that offers guidance on AI adoption, implementation, and governance.
Understanding the AI County Compass
The AI County Compass is a valuable resource for counties looking to harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their operations and services. This comprehensive guide provides education and best practices for counties to adopt AI, implement it effectively, and govern its use. The AI County Compass is designed to be a one-stop-shop for counties, offering a wealth of information on various aspects of AI, including:
Benefits of the AI County Compass
The AI County Compass offers numerous benefits to counties, including:
Real-World Applications of the AI County Compass
The AI County Compass has already shown its value in real-world applications. For example:
Conclusion
The NACo Artificial Intelligence Exploratory Committee’s AI County Compass is a game-changer for counties looking to harness the power of AI. With its comprehensive resource and expert guidance, counties can improve their operations, services, and competitiveness.
The Importance of AI Education
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way we live and work, and its impact will only continue to grow in the coming years. As AI becomes increasingly integrated into various industries, it’s essential that we prioritize education and training to ensure that workers are equipped to thrive in this new landscape.
Key Components of AI Education
NACo’s Commitment to AI Education
The National Association of Counties (NACo) is committed to supporting legislation that advances AI education and training. By working with the new administration and Congress, NACo aims to promote a bipartisan approach to AI policy development.
Bipartisan Approach to AI Policy
The Benefits of AI Education
By prioritizing AI education and training, counties can reap numerous benefits, including:
It remains to be seen how the new Congress will ultimately tackle AI and GenAI policy, but the purpose is clear — the technology is not going away.
