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Light‑touch AI bill proposed; supporters urge safeguards and a sandbox

House Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee · January 15, 2026

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Summary

HB 17‑25, modeled on Texas’ Responsible AI Governance Act, would require disclosures when AI is used in certain contexts, ban social‑scoring abuses by governments/businesses, and create a regulatory sandbox. Supporters and advocates proposed amendment language and voiced concern about council structure and penalties.

Representative Jackie Grotta introduced HB 17‑25 for Representative Long, describing it as a light‑touch, bipartisan model based on Texas law to reduce government misuse of AI while preserving innovation. The bill would narrow AI definitions, require some disclosures to consumers when AI is used for particular purposes, and create a regulatory sandbox to allow controlled testing of AI products.

Melissa Blasek of Rebuild NH said she supports many parts of the bill but urged removing a council she fears could enable cronyism and recommended tightening prohibitions on biometric identification and social‑scoring harms. "Governmental entities shall not deploy artificial intelligence systems for the purpose of uniquely identifying individuals using biometric identifiers," she suggested as a needed protection in proposed amendments.

Committee members queried the size of penalties in the draft (the bill contains civil penalties and enhanced fines for systematic or egregious conduct) and discussed whether criminal justice or other divisions should weigh in on enforcement. The committee noted the bill will likely be referred for additional drafting and stakeholder input.