House panel passes resolution asking for interim AI study, but selection is not guaranteed

Helena — The House Energy, Technology, and Federal Relations Committee voted unanimously to advance House Joint Resolution 4, a request that the Legislature pursue an interim study of artificial intelligence and whether the state needs "sideboards" or public protections for AI.

Representative Gary Perry, the bill sponsor, described the resolution as "an opportunity for people in the legislature...to be educated on this" and to identify "possible things that could go wrong with AI that we need to protect our people from." He told members the study would focus broadly on AI's benefits and downsides.

Griffin, a legislative staffer, told the committee the resolution directs the Legislative Council to propose an interim committee or statutory committee to pursue the study but emphasized that passing a joint resolution does not automatically guarantee a study will be conducted; study bills are ranked and the highest-rated items receive staff and time. "It really depends on the amount of study bills that are out there in the voting system," Griffin said.

Committee members pressed on scope and costs. Representative Joy asked whether the study would require funding for travel and per diem; Perry said he anticipated only modest expenses to cover travel and housing for committee members. Representative Carter urged that the study consider power consumption, employment impacts and other broader consequences of AI.

The committee moved that HJ 4 do pass and, by voice vote including proxies, the secretary reported 14 ayes and no nays. The resolution will next follow the normal post-committee process; whether it receives staff and time for a full interim study will depend on prioritization and available resources.