UPDATE – JUNE 2025: South Carolina’s House Committee on Artificial Intelligence, Cybercrime, and Cybersecurity—established in November 2023—remains active. The committee expects to present policy recommendations by the end of the 2025 legislative session. House Speaker Murrell Smith has reaffirmed his intent to make the committee permanent, further solidifying the state’s leadership in responsible AI governance.
ORIGINAL NEWS STORY:
South Carolina Forms Committee on AI
While the global community grapples with the implications of AI, a legislative body in the United States is gearing up to address the complex landscape of artificial intelligence in 2024. On November 13, South Carolina State House Speaker Murrell Smith, representing District 67, made a significant announcement, nanouncing that the House had formed a dedicated committee. The committee plans to conduct a comprehensive study on AI, cybercrime, and cybersecurity, exploring both the positive and negative implications of the rapidly advancing technology in the state.
Keeping south Carolina at the Forefront
As AI increasingly becomes an integral part of daily life, policy development struggles to keep pace with technological advancements. According to the press release, the new House Committee seeks to reverse this trend, positioning South Carolina as a pioneer with a standing committee dedicated to navigating the complexities of AI.
The press release underscores the escalating significance of AI and states that the House formed the committee to protect citizens. AI’s potential impact spans every sector of the state, from its workforce to its education system. The primary objective of the committee is to conduct a thorough examination of AI technology and formulate strategies that safeguard the rights and interests of the citizens.
Speaker Murrell Smith emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive exploration of the impact of rapidly evolving technologies on the state’s citizens. He stated, “Only through careful examination and understanding can we ensure that these innovations are harnessed for the betterment of society, safeguarding the rights and well-being of South Carolina’s citizens first and foremost.”
State Chairman Jeff Bradley expressed pride in South Carolina taking a leading role in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by AI and emerging technologies. Acknowledging the incredible potential and significant challenges that come with the rapid growth of AI, Bradley aims for the committee to ensure that South Carolina’s citizens benefit from AI’s potential while safeguarding against potential risks.
Also, legislators view the committee’s formation as a forward-looking move, with Speaker Smith intending to propose to the full House that the committee becomes a permanent part of the House structure after the General Assembly organizes toward the end of 2024.
Committee Members
The appointed committee members, including State Chairman Jeff Bradley, State Representative Terry Alexander, Representative Tom Hartnett, Representative Max Hyde, Representative Neal Collins, Representative Chandra Dillard, Representative Brandon Guffey, Representative Travis Moore, Representative Seth Rose, Representative Sylleste Davis, Representative Heath Sessions, Representative Wendell Jones, Representative Bart Blackwell, Representative Gil Gatch, Representative Carl Anderson, Representative Gary Brewer, Representative Don Chapman, Representative Mike Neese, and Representative Matt Leber, form a diverse and dedicated team ready to delve into the intricate landscape of AI. Therefore, this initiative is expected to position South Carolina at the forefront of states actively addressing the challenges and harnessing the benefits of AI technology for the betterment of its citizens.
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