How did Colorado pass an AI law? We asked the guy who wrote it.
May 23, 2024
auto_awesome
Robert Rodriguez, Colorado's Senate Majority Leader, discusses the journey of passing AI regulations in Colorado, including the emotional challenges and collaborative efforts with stakeholders. Topics include federal AI regulation, bias in AI, gig workers' rights, and navigating industry pressure for legislation.
Colorado pioneers major AI regulations with consumer notification requirements by 2026.
Lawmakers collaborate across states to pass privacy and AI regulations, emphasizing stakeholder cooperation.
Deep dives
Colorado Leads the Way in AI Regulation
Colorado becomes the first state to implement major AI regulations, requiring notifications to consumers when high-risk AI models impact important decisions starting in 2026. Despite industry pushback and consumer advocate support, the state's Senate Majority Leader, Robert Rodriguez, spearheaded the bill and highlighted the challenges and excitement of pioneering such policies.
Building State Collaborations for Privacy and AI Rules
Lawmakers like Senator Rodriguez and Senator Moroni from Connecticut form networks across state lines to pass privacy and AI regulations. Colorado's bill marked the third privacy bill in the nation, emphasizing collaboration with various stakeholders and other states to create cohesive frameworks for emerging technologies.
Navigating Industry Engagement and Future Adjustments
Colorado's active engagement with the tech industry during bill development illustrates a balanced approach, addressing concerns while maintaining consumer protection. The legislation carves out areas for further examination, such as generative AI, which signals ongoing adjustments through a dedicated task force over the next two years. Despite potential challenges and industry pressures, Senator Rodriguez advocates for respectful dialogue and continual improvements in state regulations.
Colorado is the first state in the nation with major artificial intelligence regulations on the books. Starting in 2026, consumers will be notified when "high-risk” models are used to make important decisions about them. Colorado’s Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez — the guy who pushed the bill through — tells POLITICO Tech host Steven Overly how the law got over the finish line and why there’s still a fight ahead.