Wisconsin Republicans Pass Measure Requiring State Agencies to Develop AI Plans
State agencies in Wisconsin will be mandated to develop plans for implementing artificial intelligence (AI) and cutting their workforce, according to a measure passed by Republicans in the state's assembly on Thursday. The move is being hailed as a means to utilize AI to assist existing workers in their roles. However, some Democrats have expressed concerns about setting benchmarks in law for a technology that is still evolving. Under the legislation, the Legislative Audit Bureau will be tasked with conducting an audit of each agency's use of AI by June 30, 2025. From 2026, agencies will have to annually report to the legislature about full-time positions that could benefit from AI tools. Starting in 2030, state agencies will need to include proposals to reduce job numbers in their budget requests.
Focus on Efficiency, Not Job Cuts, Says Bill Sponsor
Despite the legislation's requirement for state agency proposals to include job reductions, Republican Representative Nate Gustafson has emphasized that the aim is not to cut the workforce but rather to enhance efficiency and prevent burnout among state employees. During public hearings on the bill, some Democrats voiced their reservations, arguing that it is too early to make explicit connections between AI and job losses in state law. Although agencies would need to propose job cuts as part of their budget requests, the final decision will still be in the hands of future legislatures and governors. The bill will now move on to the Senate.
Wisconsin Assembly Passes Bipartisan Bill for AI-Generated Political Ad Disclosure
The Wisconsin Assembly has also approved a bipartisan bill that will require most political advertisements to disclose the use of audio or video content generated by AI. The bill, similar to proposals in other states, stipulates that any TV ad featuring AI-generated video content must include written text stating, "This video content is generated by AI." Failure to comply with the requirement could result in fines of up to $1,000. Representative Adam Neylon, a Republican and the lead sponsor of the bill, argued that the legislation is necessary to enable voters and citizens to differentiate between truth and fiction by ensuring proper disclosures are made when AI generates false representations. The bill was passed in the Assembly by voice vote and will now move forward to the Senate.
Analyst comment
Neutral news.
As an analyst, the market is likely to see increased adoption of artificial intelligence by state agencies in Wisconsin. This could lead to job reductions in the long run, but the primary goal of the legislation is to enhance efficiency and prevent burnout among state-employed people. The requirement for political ads to disclose the use of AI-generated content may promote transparency and help viewers differentiate truth from fiction.
