Rhode Island House Bill H7119

Rhode Island 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/26
• Refer: 1/15/26

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, H7119 will have significant implications for state laws related to the deployment of AI technologies. It seeks to create transparency around AI systems by requiring detailed reports on their functionality and oversight regarding their impact on various demographic groups. The bill emphasizes ongoing assessments to prevent any unlawful discrimination or disparate impact, thus aligning state operations with contemporary ethical standards regarding technology use. This legislation aims to foster a safer and more equitable environment in which AI can operate, significantly impacting how public agencies engage with technology.

Summary

House Bill H7119 introduces the 'Artificial Intelligence Accountability Act', designed to establish robust oversight concerning the deployment and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) systems across state agencies in Rhode Island. The bill mandates the Department of Administration to conduct an inventory of all AI systems used by state agencies, ensuring a systematic approach to monitoring and evaluating AI implementations. Furthermore, a permanent commission will be formed to oversee this initiative, ensuring comprehensive studies, recommendations for policy changes, and annual reporting to the governor and the General Assembly regarding the state of AI use in governance.

Contention

While the bill primarily aims to enhance accountability, it may also spark debates surrounding the feasibility of implementing such oversight, especially in resource-constrained environments. Concerns may arise regarding the balance of operational efficiency against the need for compliance with new oversight protocols. Stakeholders might question the effectiveness of the commission and the practicalities of conducting regular impact assessments on AI systems, which may be seen as an added burden on the resources and timelines of state agencies.