House advances bill limiting state and local government uses of artificial intelligence

Representative Mitchell introduced House Bill 178 as a measure to regulate use of artificial intelligence systems by state and local governments in Montana. He said the bill seeks to "limit misuse, ensure transparency, and preserve human oversight" and would "prohibit state and local governments from using AI to discriminate, manipulate, and surveil members of the public."

Representative Kelly Sullivan rose in support, saying the bill places necessary sideboards on emerging technology and cited prior privacy legislation as precedent. Mitchell said the Department of Justice was an initial opponent in committee but that concerns were addressed with amendments allowing some law-enforcement uses such as locating missing persons.

Representative Revas questioned whether the bill would prevent government employees from using common word-processing and search tools that have AI integration. The sponsor indicated the bill would not restrict those routine tools. Representative Cordum said he opposed the bill because of an exemption that he said contained language suggesting a computer should never make a management decision.

The House recorded a second-reading vote of 86 in favor and 14 opposed; the clerk recorded that "House Bill 178 has passed second reading." Representative Mitchell urged colleagues to "get ahead of the game" on AI regulation.

Why it matters: HB 178 would set limits and transparency requirements for AI systems used by government entities in Montana, including mandatory human review for certain decisions and disclosures about AI use; the bill reflects growing state-level attention to governance of AI.