Arizona lawmakers are not making a concerted effort to regulate the artificial intelligence industry. Lawmakers hope to build guardrails that don’t hamper progress.
Arizona is one of only a handful of states with a designated legislative AI committee, which was created this year.
Despite the focus on AI developments, there are only a few bills at the state Capitol this year that would regulate the industry.
Since AI started booming a few years ago, Arizona has remained pretty deregulated. One bill lawmakers did pass into law in 2024 gives political candidates an avenue to put a stop to AI-generated deepfakes, but beyond that narrowly tailored law (drafted with the use of AI), almost anything goes.
Committee Chair Rep. Justin Wilmeth (R-Phoenix) wants the state to embrace AI tools that aid efficiency.
Wilmeth also acknowledges constituents’ concerns about the rapidly growing industry.
“You can use a knife to cut cheese or to stab somebody,” Wilmeth said. “I know that's kind of a dark option. But what I'm saying is, is that there are so many things out there that can be used properly and in a good way, but could also be negative.”
Wilmeth’s committee is focused on three avenues: AI transparency, legal frameworks for AI use and technology-related infrastructure development.
One bill lawmakers are considering this year would require AI conversation programs to repeatedly clarify they are AI when used by minors.
Another — sponsored by Wilmeth — would require all state agencies to use AI to reduce administrative burdens. He said the bill is meant to improve efficiency in government.
“Some of the biggest complaints we get in phone calls and emails relate to the time it takes to get a particular service that they are entitled to as a citizen,” he said.
When it comes to regulating the industry, Wilmeth noted it will be hard to enforce any changes.
“Overall, I come from an angle of — not that it's unregulatable, but it's going to be hard for us to keep up with,” he said.
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