Bill Description: House Bill 568 would establish an artificial intelligence council in Idaho state government. 

Rating: -2

NOTE: The House Amendment to House Bill 568 did not change the rating or analysis.

Does it create, expand, or enlarge any agency, board, program, function, or activity of government? Conversely, does it eliminate or curtail the size or scope of government?

House Bill 568 would create Chapter 97, Title 67, Idaho Code, to establish an artificial intelligence council in Idaho state government. The council would include one state senator, one state representative, and four members appointed by the governor, including an "ethics professional," an "artificial intelligence professional," an "expert on law enforcement usage of artificial intelligence systems," and an "expert in constitutional and legal rights."

This new council would be instructed to, among other things, "study and monitor artificial intelligence systems developed, employed, or procured by state agencies." It would also be tasked with advising "the governor, legislature, and state departments and agencies" of the "nature, magnitude, and priorities of issues regarding artificial intelligence" and assisting them "in the development and implementation of, cooperative policies, programs, and procedures focusing on artificial intelligence."

The council would be given power to "establish advisory committees on special subjects or projects." 

One of the more concerning duties given to this council is to recommend "administrative actions that state agencies may take without further legislative authorization" related to AI systems. 

The council would be formed by Aug. 1, 2024, meet at least twice a year, and sunset on July 1, 2027.

This bill is clearly an expansion of the size and scope of government. 

(-1)

Does it increase government spending (for objectionable purposes) or debt? Conversely, does it decrease government spending or debt?

The fiscal note for House Bill 568 suggests that the "council is estimated to require $10,000 from the general fund for each full year of operation."

Considering that the bill allows the council to "establish advisory committees" and also allows the administrator of the office of information technology services to "retain outside advisors" to assist the council in its duties, this cost estimate is likely just the starting price of this endeavor. 

(-1)