Panel expands AI advisory council, directs review of 'neurological rights' provisions in HA14

Counsel told the Health & Welfare Committee that HA14 would create a statutory chapter addressing individual neurological rights, mental and neural data privacy and related protections. The bill adds new definitions and would prohibit practices that infringe on freedom of thought.

HA14 also revises the AI Advisory Council: it increases membership, adds seats for individuals with health-care and public-education expertise and includes the state treasurer among appointees. The bill extends the council’s lifetime to June 30, 2030, and directs the council to report to the General Assembly in January with recommended statutory changes, definitions, guidance on generative AI for regulated professions, and suggested protections for neurological rights.

Committee members asked about ethics expertise on the council. Counsel noted that the bill maintains an ethics-role appointment but adjusts some appointing authorities and adds new members appointed by stakeholder organizations. After discussion the committee moved and voted to report the bill favorably; members expressed general support and a roll call was taken.