US Lacks AI Regulation

Colorado Imposes Rules on AI Chatbots for Minors

Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed a bill requiring AI chatbot developers to disclose when kids are talking to a machine. This bill also blocks features that can mimic intimacy or encourage addictive engagement. The new law requires AI operators to prevent chatbots from producing sexually explicit material or statements that simulate emotional dependence. It also prohibits AI operators from providing minors with points or rewards that encourage engagement with the service. This law aims to protect users, especially children, from misleading AI chatbot conversations that have encouraged suicide attempts and engaged in romantic interactions with minors. The law sets guardrails to curb the gamification of chatbot interactions and ensure companies offer mental health support resources when users show signs of distress. Now lawmakers will monitor how these new rules impact the use of AI chatbots by minors.

AI Medicare Review Program Delays Care for Washington Seniors

Washington seniors face denied or delayed care under a pilot program that uses AI to review Medicare procedure requests. The program aims to reduce fraud and waste by requiring prior authorization for certain procedures. It has incentivized private companies to deny procedures, with over 1.5 million Medicare enrollees in Washington state affected. The program's use of AI to review claims is causing concerns among advocates, with reports of patients waiting two to four times longer for procedure authorizations. The repeal effort will continue to gain momentum in the coming months.

AI Medicare Review Program Delays Care for Washington Seniors

A new AI Medicare review program is denying or delaying care for many Washington seniors. The program affects over 1.5 million Medicare enrollees in Washington state. It uses AI to review certain procedure requests, and companies are paid based on how many procedures they deny. This has led to patients waiting two to four times longer for treatments. Lawmakers are trying to repeal the program, saying it is denying care to patients so companies can profit. The fight to repeal the program will continue in the coming months.

Connecticut Regulates AI in Employment Decisions

Connecticut lawmakers approved a bill to regulate artificial intelligence in employment decisions. The bill requires transparency and notice when using automated tools to make employment decisions. The new law affects companies that use AI to hire, promote, or fire employees. It requires these companies to disclose how they use AI in employment decisions. About 100 companies in Connecticut will be affected by this law. The law will start on October 1 and the Connecticut Attorney General will enforce it. The state will begin supervising AI verification bodies and requiring new reports for mass layoffs. New regulations will be enforced starting October 1.

Illinois Passes AI Accountability Bill

Illinois lawmakers passed a bill to increase transparency and accountability among large artificial intelligence models. The bill applies to companies with $500 million in revenue and significant computing power. The bill requires developers to create a transparency framework and employ third-party auditors to ensure compliance. This matters because it sets a standard for AI safety and accountability. The bill passed unanimously in the House with 110 votes. Illinois is now the third state to regulate frontier AI models, following New York and California. The bill will next go to the governor for consideration and may influence future national regulations.