Colorado lawmakers are moving forward with new legislation to change and scale back the state’s artificial intelligence regulations, according to a May 11 statement. Senate Bill 189 has passed both chambers of the legislature with little resistance and is now awaiting Governor Jared Polis’ signature as the legislative session nears its end.
The topic matters because Colorado’s approach could influence how other states regulate AI technologies. Lawmakers have spent two years addressing concerns about bias, oversight, and consumer protection in artificial intelligence systems.
Jim Samuel, an associate professor at Rutgers University who specializes in artificial intelligence and data science, said that bias is inherent in data because humans are biased. “AI can never be perfect,” Samuel said, “because humans aren’t perfect, and attempting to tweak the information that feeds into artificial intelligence would have unintended consequences.” He also said the best option was to provide transparency and education to consumers. Samuel called for continued oversight of AI companies and refinement of laws to protect consumers.
Hall from the Center for Democracy and Technology described SB-189 as a starting point: “It’s not nothing, and it is a little bit like – crawl, walk, run,” he said. The rules set to take effect next month were akin to walking: “and we’re going back a little bit to a crawl. But we’re still moving forward. And it does provide some traction for accountability in these systems.”
Samuel’s comments reflect ongoing debates among experts about how best to manage risks associated with emerging technologies such as AI while promoting innovation.
Broader discussion on policy frameworks continues at academic institutions such as Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, which operates research centers focused on community development, transportation policy, health issues, workforce development initiatives and energy policy according to the official website.
