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Bill

HB 1958

TO REQUIRE PUBLIC ENTITIES TO CREATE A POLICY CONCERNING THE AUTHORIZED USE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jane English and 1 co-sponsor

Act 848 mandates Arkansas public entities to create AI use policies, ensuring human oversight in decisions and promoting accountability in automated processes.

Notification that HB1958 is now Act 848
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Bill Summary · HB 1958

Summary of House Bill 1958 (Act 848)

Overview

House Bill 1958, now known as Act 848, was introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly on April 1, 2025. The bill mandates that public entities in Arkansas develop a policy regarding the authorized use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making tools. This legislation aims to ensure responsible and transparent use of AI technologies within public institutions.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 1958 is to establish clear guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence in public entities, thereby promoting accountability and ethical standards in decision-making processes. The bill seeks to protect the interests of the public and ensure that human oversight remains integral in decisions influenced by AI.

Key Provisions

The bill amends Arkansas Code § 25-1-128 and includes the following key provisions:

  1. Definitions:

    • Artificial Intelligence: A machine-based system that can make predictions, recommendations, or decisions based on human-defined objectives.
    • Automated Decision Tool: A system that uses AI to influence consequential decisions.

  2. Policy Requirements:

    • Public entities must create a policy that defines the authorized use of AI and automated decision tools.
    • The policy must ensure that any final decision is made by a human employee or designee, regardless of AI recommendations.

  3. Training Programs:

    • Public entities are required to develop training programs for employees on the use of technology resources, cybersecurity, and AI policies.

  4. Public Accessibility:

    • The technology resources and AI policies must be made available to the public upon request.

  5. Prohibitions:

    • The policies must include prohibitions against using public technology resources for personal political opinions, illegal activities, or circumventing security procedures.

  6. Disciplinary Procedures:

    • Public entities must establish disciplinary procedures for violations of the technology resources and AI policies.

Affected Entities

The bill applies to a wide range of public entities funded by taxpayer dollars, including:
- State departments (e.g., Department of Education, Department of Health)
- Public school districts and charter schools
- Institutions of higher education
- Political subdivisions of the state

Procedural Timeline

  • April 1, 2025: Bill filed.
  • April 3, 2025: Committee recommended the bill do pass.
  • April 10, 2025: Bill passed the House and was sent to the Senate.
  • April 14, 2025: Senate amendment adopted, and the bill was passed as amended.
  • April 17, 2025: Bill was signed into law and became Act 848.

Conclusion

Act 848 represents a significant step towards regulating the use of artificial intelligence in public sectors in Arkansas. By requiring public entities to establish clear policies and training programs, the legislation aims to foster responsible AI use while ensuring that human oversight remains a critical component of decision-making processes.

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

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