Bill creating Utah AI lab advances, would test tech, prevent missteps

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah lawmakers are trying to keep up with rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence by advancing SB149 which would create an AI lab for innovators and experts to test new tech. And at the same time, the lab would educate state officials about regulating artificial intelligence.

Those behind the Artificial Intelligence Amendments bill have three goals in mind — protecting the public, fostering innovation, and learning.

Margaret Busse, the executive director of the Utah Department of Commerce, said this is an opportunity to do with AI what was not done with social media. 

Namely, “we keep our eyes on what’s happening in AI and not, sort of, let the technologies run away like happened in social media and then it would invite relevant AI companies or stakeholders — experts to come and test out proposed guardrails that we might consider putting in,” Busse said.

If it becomes law, the bill would make Utah the first state with an AI lab of this kind.

SB149 passed the full House unanimously.

Related: Proposed bill to eliminate AI used in political campaign advertisements