Henrico delegate among organizing members of bipartisan caucus exploring AI
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Henrico Delegate Rodney Willett (Democrat-73rd District) Is among the members of the new AI Technology Initiative, a program of the bipartisan Virginia Technology and Innovation Caucus of state legislators.
The new initiative is designed “explore opportunities, risks, and impacts associated with Al [artificial intelligence] and technology use in government processes and decision-making,” according to a statement from the caucus. “This initiative also will have a follow-on focus of helping develop industry guidance and best practices in partnership with representatives from across diverse industry sectors.”
Members of the caucus hope that the effort will help the state remain at the forefront of technological innovation while prioritizing the welfare of citizens.
"We co-founded the bipartisan T&I Caucus in 2022 to help educate and inform Virginia legislators and the public about the power, impact and opportunities presented by Al and related technologies," said Delegate Michelle Maldonado (D-50th District), the founding chair of the caucus. "Technology has moved at the speed of light and policy and regulatory frameworks have not kept up. The time for action is now to help align government infrastructure as we establish trust and accountability on the way to collaboratively creating future guidance in partnership with industry. Al impacts all of us and I am pleased that we are working together in a bipartisan way to keep Virginia safe, competitive, and innovative."
"Al is more than a cutting-edge concept; it's the future, rapidly defining the contours of our everyday life. The Virginia Technology & Innovation Caucus' Al Technology Initiative is our way of ensuring that Virginia doesn't merely follow this wave but leads it,” said DeSteph. "In crafting our Al policy, it's crucial that we let the free market be our guide.Innovators should not be shackled, but encouraged. This dynamic sector can and should be left to push the boundaries, unhindered by unnecessary regulation. That's how we've always driven progress in America, and that's how we'll harness the incredible potential of Al for the benefit of all Virginians.”
In addition to Maldonado and Willett, other initial organizing members of the Al Technology Initiative Senator Bill DeSteph (R-8th District), Delegate Jackie Glass (D-89th District) and Delegate Keith Hodges (R-98th District).
Members will bring together people from various fields, including Al, technology, law, government, academia, and public policy to support efforts that establish sound policy, legislation, regulatory frameworks, and best practices in Virginia, according to the caucus.
"We have developed corresponding government processes and policies that enable the use of new technologies while respecting and protecting citizens' privacy interests,” Willett said. “Al presents us with the next opportunity to find that balance of interests.”
"Using Al in government decision-making can greatly enhance efficiency and responsiveness,” Glass said. “However, we must ensure that these systems adhere to the highest transparency, fairness, and accountability standard. With this working group, we can proactively address the challenges and opportunities presented by Al through thoughtful legislation and a framework that emphasizes proactive measures and continuous improvement of Al systems."
