Sen. Dodd’s Generative AI Accountability Act Bill Clears Hurdle

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, today announced his legislation has advanced 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 Generative 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 regulation of generative AI 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 directs state agencies to build AI competency in the state’s workforce.

The bill passed the Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Tuesday after previously being approved by the full Senate. It heads next to Assembly Appropriations.

“As we begin to grapple with the ever-increasing use of AI in our public and private activities, it's important that we analyze the risks and prepare for bad actors in this age of disinformation and cybersecurity threats,” said Brian Hofer, executive director of the nonprofit Secure Justice, a bill supporter. “Senator Dodd’s SB 896 will help government agencies differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate uses, and lead to better informed decision making.”

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.

###

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.