Sen. Dodd’s ‘California AI-ware Act’ Clears Committee

SACRAMENTO – Amid a current explosion of artificial intelligence technology, legislation advanced today from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would increase consumer privacy and protection, aligning California law with the principles of President Joe Biden’s Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights.

“Like any new industry we’ve seen, safeguards must be added as the risks emerge,” said Sen. Dodd. It’s like the auto industry. Over the years we’ve adopted speed limits, seatbelts and airbags. Now is the time for AI oversight to catch up, increasing consumer protections with the help of proactive, thoughtful policy.”

AI technology has proliferated in recent years, fueling a booming market that is expected to swell to $126 billion by 2025.  Applications simulating human thought can now perform a multitude of tasks – from running errands to driving cars. However, concerns have arisen over unwanted side effects including automated job loss, privacy violations, algorithmic bias and socioeconomic inequality.

At the federal level, the president has released his framework to guide the design, use and deployment of automated systems to protect the American public. His five key principles would guard against unsafe or ineffective systems, prevent algorithmic discrimination in things like hiring or credit decisions, ensure data privacy, notify consumers when AI systems are being used and give consumers a chance to opt out.

To advance these pillars in California, Sen. Dodd introduced Senate Bill 313 – or the California AI-ware Act -- which would shape policy as AI evolves in the Golden State. Among other things, the bill requires people to be notified when they are interacting with AI-driven government communications. It is an extension of previous legislation, including Sen. Dodd’s co-authorship of the California Consumer Privacy Act. Earlier this year, he introduced the first AI-drafted resolution, Senate Concurrent Resolution 17, which calls for responsible use of AI.

“AI can do a lot and there are certainly benefits, but it can’t be trusted to regulate itself,” Sen. Dodd said.

SB 313 was approved by the Senate Governmental Organization committee today with bipartisan support.

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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Yolo, Sonoma, Solano, Sacramento and Contra Costa counties. More information on Senator Bill Dodd can be found at www.senate.ca.gov/dodd.