Rep. Barry’s bill would extend fair‑housing enforcement to AI decisions and require disclosure, human review

Representative Barry presented HB 715, the Fair and Future Ready Housing Act, saying the bill would bring automated decisionmaking into Georgia’s fair‑housing framework by defining artificial intelligence in the housing code, expanding discrimination detection to include AI, mandating human verification of AI outcomes and requiring notice to consumers when AI is used.

Barry told the committee the bill would prevent providers from escaping liability by claiming a discriminatory outcome was the result of an algorithm rather than a human decision. He said the measure gives the attorney general authority to investigate and enforce violations and retains existing private‑cause‑of‑action protections under the Georgia Fair Housing Act.

Committee members sought clarification on mechanics. Chairman Leverett summarized the effect as barring a provider from using "it was AI" as a defense to a discrimination claim and confirmed that the bill also requires human review and notice for tenants or purchasers.

Representative Barry said he has discussed the bill with technology stakeholders and expects to work with the Department of Law in the interim. No external witnesses testified at the hearing.

Ending: The committee did not vote on HB 715; the sponsor said he will continue discussions with stakeholders before further committee action.