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HF 5051

Disclosures when selling or distributing programs with artificial intelligence required.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Gottfried and 1 co-sponsor

Minnesota HF 5051 requires sellers of AI-enabled programs to disclose AI creators, technical support contacts, AI functions, modeling types, and safety features before sale.

Author added Hollins
#consumerprotection #telecommunicationsandinformationtechnology
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HF 5051

Summary of HF 5051 (2025-2026) — Minnesota

Purpose

HF 5051 adds requirements for disclosures when selling or distributing programs that utilize artificial intelligence (AI). The core aim is to enhance consumer protection by ensuring buyers and users of AI-powered programs have clear, upfront information about the AI system and its safeguards.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of AI (Section 325G.64, Subd. 1):

    • Defines “artificial intelligence” as an engineered or machine-based system with variable autonomy that, to meet explicit or implicit objectives, can infer from input how to generate outputs capable of influencing physical or virtual environments.

  • Mandatory Disclosures (Section 325G.64, Subd. 2):
    Before selling or distributing any program containing AI technology, the seller or distributor must disclose:

    1. Business names of the manufacturers or creators of the AI.
    2. Contact information for technical experts who assist users with the AI.
    3. Functions the AI performs (what the AI is designed to do).
    4. Types of modeling used by the AI (e.g., machine learning approaches, architectures).
    5. All safety features of the AI, including any integration with human intelligence (i.e., human-in-the-loop or human oversight aspects).

Who/What Is Affected

  • Sellers and distributors of AI-enabled programs within Minnesota would be required to provide these disclosures prior to sale or distribution.
  • End users and buyers of AI-powered software or programs would have access to information about the AI’s origins, capabilities, modeling methods, and safety protections.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill has been introduced and referred to the Committee on Commerce Finance and Policy for consideration.
  • No specific effective date is stated in the provided text; typical next steps would involve committee deliberations, potential amendments, and floor votes before any enactment.
  • If enacted, the disclosures would apply at the point of sale or distribution of AI-enabled programs.

Potential Impacts

  • Consumer clarity and accountability: Enhanced transparency about AI systems could help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and understand potential risks and limitations.
  • Industry compliance burden: Vendors and distributors would need to implement disclosure processes, maintain up-to-date information about AI components, and provide accessible details for technical assistance.
  • Safety and risk management: Highlighting safety features (including human oversight) may encourage safer deployment and monitoring of AI applications.

Notable Details

  • Terminology emphasizes “AI” as a broad category including systems with varying degrees of autonomy.
  • Disclosures are broad, covering both technical and organizational aspects (manufacturers, modeling types, and safety features).

If you would like, I can compare HF 5051 to existing Minnesota consumer protection provisions or summarize potential enforcement mechanisms and penalties once they are introduced in subsequent amendments.

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

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