This year, there are already hundreds of bills being introduced by state legislatures in an effort to regulate Artificial Intelligence (“AI”). There were hundreds last year too. Unfortunately, too many of those bills share some form of innovation-pausing or innovation-killing purpose that would drive the technology industry away.
Fortunately, the state of Utah understands the value of AI to the economy, and has led the country in common sense AI policymaking year-over-year. One bill of note this year, HB 452 introduced by Representative Jefferson Moss, is based on the findings of Utah’s AI Innovation Lab. The AI Innovation Lab — which is tasked with finding ways to update the regulatory code to integrate AI applications without unnecessary burden — was formed last year when Utah passed a forward-thinking bill sponsored by Sen. Kirk Cullimore and Rep. Moss.
In its first year, the AI Innovation Lab focused on the occupational licensing implications of AI chatbots being used to enhance and expedite mental healthcare. After many conversations with practitioners, technology experts, and advocates, the AI Innovation Lab reported its results which were, in short, that AI chatbots could be integrated into the licensed practice of mental healthcare so long the law required adequate notice, adequate accountability in the event of misuse, and adequate safeguards for patients.
HB 452 is the first of its kind to outline such an approach, allowing mental health practitioners to integrate AI chatbots as one of their many tools to allow people to access care and experience better mental health outcomes. But like the handful of common sense AI laws being considered in Utah this year, this bill is a shining example of the kind of practical and effective AI governance and regulation that Utah has chosen to champion. This trend will likely continue with the help of the AI Innovation Lab.
