Committee Approves Sen. Dodd’s AI Accountability Act Bill

SACRAMENTO – Legislation advanced today from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would build upon recent directives from President Joe Biden and Gov. Gavin Newsom addressing the unprecedented growth of artificial intelligence technology by encouraging continued innovation while ensuring the rights and opportunities of all Californians are protected.

“Artificial intelligence has tremendous potential to improve our lives and the functioning of government,” Sen. Dodd said. “But it also presents risks, specifically the threat to consumer privacy, transparency and fairness. My proposal will help identify potential problems with these emerging systems and develop appropriate guidelines to protect our state and the public.”

The 2023 White House Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights, in addition to recent executive guidance from Gov. Newsom, establish a framework for addressing concerns including AI-driven algorithms that discriminate against people based on income levels or race, and the effects of automated machines on our workforce. Additionally, the president and governor have underscored threats posed by AI to data and consumer privacy, and the potential for misusing the technology to deceive and defraud.

Sen. Dodd’s proposed California AI Accountability Act, also known as Senate Bill 896, will guide the decision-making of state agencies, departments and subdivisions in the review, adoption, management, governance and regulations of automated decision-making technologies. One provision in the bill would require state agencies to notify users when they are interacting with AI. Further, it states the intent of the Legislature that the private sector adhere to these rights and safeguards, in addition to any specific statutory or regulatory requirements, and evolving best practices. And the act encourages the state to invest in AI education and build AI competency in the state’s workforce.

The bill passed the Senate Governmental Organization committee on a 14-0 vote. It will be heard Tuesday in the Senate Judiciary committee.

SB 896 is a follow-up to Sen. Dodd’s Senate Concurrent Resolution 17, adopted last year, which sets forth many of the ideas and was the first AI-drafted state resolution in history.

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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.