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VACo Testifies and Submits Comments to Joint Commission on Technology and Science on Artificial Intelligence

The Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) Artificial Intelligence Subcommittee met on Monday, September 16 to review proposed legislation concerning the use of high-risk artificial intelligence (AI) in both the private and public sectors. VACo staff presented testimony and then formal comments to the subcommittee with concerns of centralization of AI policy, impacts to local autonomy, increased compliance costs, as well as on the need for local government representation on state workgroups concerning the use of AI, State Incentives and Training Opportunities for Local Governments, and Local Discretion in Using Non-High-Risk AI Systems.

The work of the JCOTS subcommittee on this issue stems from legislation referred to the subcommittee from the 2024 legislative session. This legislation in its original form had fairly broad prescriptions pertaining to the use of AI by public bodies across the Commonwealth. The bill was then modified to direct the JCOTS, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to conduct an analysis of the use of artificial intelligence by public bodies in the Commonwealth and the creation of a Commission on Artificial Intelligence. JCOTS must submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Chairmen of the House Committees on Appropriations and Communications, Technology and Innovation and the Senate Committees on Finance and Appropriations and General Laws and Technology no later than December 1, 2024.

During a previous meeting of the full JCOTS committee, VACo was asked by committee members to provide testimony and formal comments on proposed legislation for the 2025 legislative session. VACo appreciates being a part of the discussions being held by JCOTS on this issue and looks forward to future opportunities for collaboration. This issue will likely be further discussed by VACo’s General Government Steering Committee when it meets again at VACo’s Annual Conference in November.

VACo Contact: Jeremy R. Bennett

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