Committee Will Be First in the Country to Exclusively Study AI
(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – House Speaker Murrell Smith (District 67) has announced the formation of a new House Committee to be led by Representative Jeff Bradley (District 123) which will study Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybercrime, and cybersecurity in South Carolina. While this new technology is being integrated into almost every facet of everyday life, policy development has not kept pace with technological development. The purpose of this Committee will be to reverse that trend and for South Carolina to have a first-in-the-nation standing committee to address the good and bad associated with quick moving advancements in AI technology.
This committee has been formed in recognition of the increasing significance of AI technology and the need to ensure the protection and welfare of South Carolina citizens in an evolving technological landscape. AI has the potential to impact every sector of South Carolina, from its workforce to its education system. The Committee’s primary objective will be to comprehensively examine AI technology and develop strategies to safeguard the rights and interests of South Carolina citizens.
“In a world where AI technology is advancing at a rapid pace, it is imperative that we comprehensively explore the impact that such rapidly evolving technologies will have on our state’s citizens,” said Speaker Murrell Smith. “Only through careful examination and understanding can we ensure that these innovations are harnessed for the betterment of society, safeguarding the rights and well-being of South Carolina’s citizens first and foremost.”
“The rapid growth of AI and emerging technologies presents both incredible opportunities and significant challenges,” said Chairman Jeff Bradley. “I’m proud that South Carolina will stand at the forefront in examining the best way to navigate this new technology effectively and applaud Speaker Smith for having the foresight to establish this priority within the House. It is my hope that this committee will help ensure that South Carolina’s citizens benefit from AI’s potential while safeguarding against potential risks, fostering a future that is prosperous for all.”
Speaker Smith intends to ask the full House to vote to make this committee a permanent part of the House structure beginning after the General Assembly organizes near the end of 2024.
The committee membership is announced below:
Committee Membership:
Chairman Jeff Bradley (District 123)
Representative Terry Alexander (District 59)
Representative Tom Hartnett (District 110)
Representative Max Hyde (District 32)
Representative Neal Collins (District 5)
Representative Chandra Dillard (District 23)
Representative Brandon Guffey (District 48)
Representative Travis Moore (District 33)
Representative Seth Rose (District 72)
Representative Sylleste Davis (District 100)
Representative Heath Sessions (District 46)
Representative Wendell Jones (District 25)
Representative Bart Blackwell (District 81)
Representative Gil Gatch (District 94)
Representative Carl Anderson (District 103)
Representative Gary Brewer (District 114)
Representative Don Chapman (District 8)
Representative Mike Neese (District 44)
Representative Matt Leber (District 116)'