ATLANTA – State Representative Brad Thomas (R-Woodstock) today announced that he has been appointed by House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee Chairman Todd Jones (R-South Forsyth) to serve as the chairman of the full committee’s newly created Subcommittee on Artificial Intelligence (AI).
“I want to thank Chairman Todd Jones for ushering in an opportunity to examine how our state policy addresses artificial intelligence,” said Rep. Thomas. “AI has become an increasingly important technology in our society with the potential to revolutionize industries and transform the way we live, work and even play here in Georgia. As with any emerging technology, we must examine the challenges posed as this technology continues to advance.”
“AI is rapidly transforming the way we live and work, but this potential to drive innovation and economic growth is matched by concerns around job displacement and privacy risks,” said Chairman Jones. “As such, it’s critical that we examine our state policy regarding AI to ensure they protect our citizens and support its development responsibly. By doing so, we can help ensure that AI benefits our state as a whole and that we harness its full potential in a way that is safe.”
Rep. Thomas and members of the subcommittee will work to examine the risks and benefits associated with AI and vet legislative initiatives based on its findings. Specifically, this subcommittee will meet with area experts and stakeholders to determine if and how AI can be better regulated to protect Georgians, while also supporting job-producing companies that utilize this technology.
In addition to Rep. Thomas, Chairman Jones appointed the following legislators to serve on the subcommittee: State Representatives Clint Crowe (R-Jackson), Matt Dubnik (R-Gainesville), Ginny Earhart (R-Marietta), Rick Jasperse (R-Jasper), Dar’shun Kendrick (D-Lithonia), Brian Prince (D-Augusta) and Steven Sainz (R-St. Marys).
Established by House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) earlier this year, the House Technology & Infrastructure Innovation Committee works on issues involving new and emerging technologies and their implications for Georgia’s economy.
Rep. Thomas currently serves as the vice chairman of the House Technology and Infrastructure Innovation Committee.
Information about the subcommittee’s public meetings will be forthcoming.
Representative Brad Thomas represents the citizens of District 21, which includes portions of Cherokee County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as Vice Chairman of the Technology & Infrastructure Innovation Committee and the Secretary of the Defense & Veterans Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Governmental Affairs, Intragovernmental Coordination, Retirement and Transportation committees.
Representative Todd Jones represents the citizens of District 25, which includes portions of Forsyth and Fulton counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2016 and currently serves as Chairman of the Technology & Infrastructure Innovation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Oversight, Economic Development & Tourism, Education, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Health, Industry & Labor and Judiciary committees.
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