FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 18, 2025)—Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, and Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, introduced legislation on Tuesday to ensure the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Kentucky.
Senate Bill (SB) 4, sponsored by Bledsoe, establishes a risk-based AI governance framework to protect citizens, foster innovation in state government, and address concerns related to AI-generated misinformation in campaigns and elections.
Bledsoe, who co-chaired the 2024 Artificial Intelligence Task Force alongside Bray, says the bill is a critical first step in ensuring AI is deployed correctly and within necessary parameters. Bray has filed mirror legislation, House Bill 672, in the state House of Representatives.
"As artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into government operations, we need to establish clear guidelines now to protect Kentuckians into the future, because it’s going to be a challenge to keep up with this technology as it is," Bledsoe said. "SB 4 ensures AI is used transparently, responsibly, and with human accountability at every level."
Establishing AI Guidelines in State Government
SB 4 establishes a structured approach to AI governance and ensures state agencies use AI efficiently while maintaining transparency and oversight. It distinguishes between internal AI systems, which streamline government operations and improve efficiency for state employees and constituents, and external AI systems, which directly impact businesses and residents.
To standardize AI governance and ensure accountability, SB 4 mandates the following:
AI Risk Oversight: Before implementing AI-driven systems, state agencies must disclose their use of AI, conduct risk assessments, and obtain approval from the Commonwealth Office of Technology (COT). COT must promulgate administrative regulations by July 1.
Statewide AI Standards Committee: COT will establish an AI oversight committee responsible for developing AI use standards for state government. These standards must be at least as stringent as NIST or ISO standards governing AI in the private sector.
Ongoing AI Monitoring and Reporting: All cabinets and agencies must regularly report their AI applications to COT to ensure continued oversight.
Encouraging AI Innovation: By December 1, each state cabinet must submit a report outlining potential beneficial uses of AI within their agencies. COT will compile these reports and present them to the General Assembly to help shape future AI-related policies.
"It feels like we are living in a moment of exponential technological growth, and I think that’s certainly the case if you look at how far we’ve come since the first programmable computer was invented nearly a century ago," Bledsoe said. "Each breakthrough—from personal computing to the internet to mobile technology—has built upon the last, accelerating how we live, work, and interact. Now, we’re living during a shift as it relates to AI. This is a powerful tool, but it should never become a crutch. It can allow us to enhance human efficiency and decision-making, but it must not replace it."
Addressing AI-Generated Misinformation in Elections
In addition to state government AI regulations, SB 4 protects voters and candidates from AI-generated misinformation, notably synthetic media—digitally altered images, audio, or video designed to mislead the public. The bill requires clear disclosure when AI-generated content is used in political messaging, establishes legal remedies for candidates targeted by deceptive AI-generated media, and creates safeguards to ensure AI does not undermine election integrity.
"We have a responsibility to ensure that AI is deployed in a way that benefits the people of Kentucky," Bray said of the legislation.
"It’s been such a pleasure to work with Representative Bray and to have the opportunity to be a leading voice with him on this front," Bledsoe said. "I look forward to this proposal moving through the legislative process and to all the discussion it will bring."
Bledsoe and Bray’s proposal focuses on AI use in the public sector, with Bledsoe emphasizing the need for Congress to regulate AI within private industry. SB 4 is awaiting a committee assignment. If enacted, it will position Kentucky as a national leader in AI governance, balancing innovation with strong consumer protections.
This press release was developed with AI assistance, guided by prompt engineering and human policy review to ensure accuracy and clarity.
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Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, represents the 12th Senate District, including Boyle, Mercer, and Woodford Counties and part of Fayette County. She serves as vice chair of both the Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee and the Senate Families and Children Committee. Additionally, Bledsoe is an ex officio member of various budget review subcommittees, including Health and Family Services; Education; Justice; General Government and Economic Development; and Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. She co-chairs the Commission on Race and Access to Opportunity statutory committee and is a member of the Licensing and Occupations Committee, the State and Local Government Committee, and the Tobacco Settlement Agreement Fund Oversight statutory committee. In 2024, she co-chaired the Artificial Intelligence Task Force and served on the 2024-26 Budget Preparation and Submission statutory committee.
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