SENATE PASSES BLEDSOE’S BILL ESTABLISHING AN AI FRAMEWORK FOR STATE GOVERNMENT AND PROMOTING INNOVATION, ACCOUNTABILITY

SENATE PASSES BLEDSOE’S BILL ESTABLISHING AN AI FRAMEWORK FOR STATE GOVERNMENT AND PROMOTING INNOVATION, ACCOUNTABILITY

Bledsoe calls on Congress and the federal government to set a framework for the private sector

FRANKFORT, KY (Feb. 28, 2025)—The Kentucky Senate has passed Senate Bill 4, landmark legislation establishing a risk-based framework for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) in state government and elections. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe, R-Lexington, aims to foster innovation while ensuring transparency, accountability, and safeguards against AI-generated misinformation.

“I am thankful to all of my colleagues for supporting SB 4 and for Senate Leadership placing their trust in me to lead our chamber on the AI task force and crafting this legislation,” Bledsoe said. “I think with this bill, we are taking a proactive approach to protect Kentuckians and maintain trust in government operations and our electoral process. 

“AI is evolving rapidly, and we will face the challenge of keeping up, but SB 4 is a great start within our public sector. I would call on Congress to be proactive in establishing a framework within the private sector, but in a way that champions things like efficiency, innovation, but most importantly safety of American citizens and their privacy.”

BACKGROUND

SB 4 provides a structured approach to AI governance to ensure state agencies use AI efficiently while maintaining transparency and oversight. 

AI Risk Oversight: State agencies must disclose AI use, conduct risk assessments, and obtain approval from the Commonwealth Office of Technology (COT) before implementation.

Statewide AI Standards Committee: COT will establish an oversight committee to develop AI use standards that align with national benchmarks like NIST and ISO.

Ongoing AI Monitoring and Reporting: Agencies must regularly report AI applications to COT to maintain oversight.

Encouraging AI Innovation: By December 1, each state cabinet must submit reports on potential beneficial AI uses to help shape future policy.

The bill also protects election integrity by requiring clear disclosure when AI-generated content is used in political messaging and establishing legal remedies for those targeted by deceptive AI-generated media.

With Senate approval secured, SB 4 moves to the House for further consideration. Rep Josh Bray, House co-chair of the 2024 AI Task Force, carries mirror legislation in the House.

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.

Visit https://legislature.ky.gov/Legislators%20Full%20Res%20Images/senate112.jpg  for a high-resolution .jpeg of Bledsoe. 

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