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LC 292

Creating the Right to Compute Act and requiring shutdowns of AI controlled critical infrastructure

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill mandating AI-controlled critical infrastructure shutdowns while establishing undefined "right to compute," currently in legislative drafting with unclear implementation details.

(LC) Draft in Assembly
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Bill Summary · LC 292

Legislative bill overview

LC 292 proposes creating a "Right to Compute Act" while mandating shutdowns of AI-controlled critical infrastructure in Montana. The bill is currently in early legislative drafting stages and has not yet been formally introduced for committee review. The specific mechanics of both the "right to compute" and shutdown requirements remain undefined in publicly available documentation.

Why this is important

Critical infrastructure (power grids, water systems, hospitals, emergency services) affects every resident's safety and economic activity. Mandated shutdowns of AI systems controlling this infrastructure could create significant operational disruptions if not carefully designed, while establishing a "right to compute" could have broad implications for technology access and regulation. The bill's actual language will determine whether it enhances public safety, creates practical vulnerabilities, or restricts legitimate AI applications.

Potential points of contention

  • Shutdown triggers unclear: The bill doesn't specify what conditions trigger AI shutdowns, potentially creating either ineffective safety measures or unnecessary service disruptions
  • "Right to Compute" scope undefined: This phrase is vague and could be interpreted as protecting individual computing access, requiring compute resources, or limiting AI restrictions—each with vastly different regulatory consequences
  • Critical infrastructure definition: Determining which systems qualify could exempt genuinely risky applications or unnecessarily restrict beneficial AI use in essential services

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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