Committee advances AI‑disclosure bill for books after member warns wording may sweep in common tools

The Internet Technology Committee on April 1 reported Senate Bill 18 15 to the Consumer Protection Committee after brief discussion about the measure that would require publishers to disclose when a book was created with generative artificial intelligence.

State Senator Kristy Gonzalez, chair, read the bill into the record and called for questions. A committee member raised a concern about the bill nd its draft definition of artificial intelligence, saying it "may preclude somebody from using something as simple as Microsoft Word" because many modern software tools include embedded AI features. The member asked that the sponsor consider narrowing the definition to avoid unintended coverage of routine authoring software.

Chair Kristy Gonzalez said she would pass the concern to the bill sponsor and indicated that her reading of the bill was narrower; she did not offer an interpretation that would limit the sponsor's discretion. The committee then approved a motion to move the bill; the chair reported that the measure was reported from committee to the Consumer Protection Committee.

Why it matters: The bill would create a disclosure requirement for books created with generative AI, a provision advocates say could increase transparency for readers while critics warn that overly broad language could sweep in ordinary software users and impose burdens on small publishers and authors.

What—omes next: The bill is scheduled for consideration in the Consumer Protection Committee. No amendment text was adopted on the floor of this committee during the meeting.