House Republicans Establish Opportunity Task Force to Guide Al Legislative Policy
HARRISBURG – As the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technology becomes an increasingly prominent issue in Harrisburg, House Republican leaders have created an Artificial Intelligence Opportunity Task Force to monitor and guide the growth of these technologies. Appointees are Reps. Jason Ortitay (Allegheny/Washington), Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny), Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia), Alec Ryncavage (R-Luzerne) and Stephenie Scialabba (R-Butler).
The use of AI technologies can be beneficial, but it brings a new set of societal challenges. The task force will work to ensure the proper steps are taken to ensure AI technologies bring a useful contribution to society.
“I look forward to working with my colleagues in this endeavor,” Ortitay said. “Use of AI is increasing, and we need to make sure it is used properly. I’m fully supportive of technology and advancement, but we need to have standards, especially when those involved in AI are asking for government parameters.”
“As the co-chair of the Cyber Security Caucus, I understand the importance as well as the potential of AI,” said Gaydos. “By automating routine tasks, analyzing data and improving decision-making, AI can help increase productivity, reduce costs, and improve the quality of services in government, health care, education and more. I look forward to taking part in this task force to work on ensuring AI is used most thoughtfully.”
“With the ever-growing cybersecurity attacks from the communist party of China, it is important that rural and agricultural communities stay vigilant against threats to our way of life,” said Leadbeter. “As part of this task force, I will stay focused on restoring fiscal responsibility, defending our gun rights and first responders, standing up for life, combatting human trafficking, expanding school choice and protecting our agricultural and small business communities.”
“While there is a societal component to how families interact with AI technology, we also need to talk about how Pennsylvania is uniquely positioned to be a leader in AI technology development – especially when we consider our universities are producing students entering the workforce, the rich natural gas production in our state for energy consumption and in using our land for economic development,” said Ryncavage. “My role on this task force will be about successfully steering Pennsylvania through the potential pitfalls of AI while using the technology to make Pennsylvania a leader.”
“Artificial intelligence can improve our lives but because of its limitless capabilities, it must not go unchecked," said Scialabba. "As AI continues to advance and become more commonplace in our daily lives, we must keep careful watch to ensure it does not do more harm than good. Using AI does not give us the luxury to go on autopilot. In fact, it’s something that requires more work to watch.”
The AI Task Force will engage with experts and stakeholders to inform future legislative policy decisions and provide insights on developing and using AI in a trustworthy and responsible manner.
“Artificial Intelligence is the cutting edge of technology and is already impacting the work of state government and civilian life,” said House Republican Leader Bryan Cutler (R-Lancaster). “I am thankful this dedicated group of members agreed to be a part of this critical task force that will evaluate AI policy proposals for our caucus so we can have a fully informed path forward when dealing with this new technological frontier.”
House Republican AI Task Force
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
rleiner@pahousegop.com