The proposed bill amends Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by introducing a new section, 306.1, which establishes liability for individuals or entities that deploy artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Under this new provision, those who engage in the deployment of AI systems for automated or autonomous functions can face criminal or civil liability for various negative outcomes, including physical harm, economic misconduct, unlawful data practices, and harmful decision-making due to algorithmic bias. The bill emphasizes that automating actions does not absolve individuals of their general duty of care, and it outlines specific defenses that can be asserted against liability, such as demonstrating reasonable oversight and safeguards.

Additionally, the bill provides definitions for key terms, including "artificial intelligence system" and "deployment," clarifying the scope of the legislation. The definition of an AI system encompasses machine-based systems capable of making predictions or decisions that influence environments, while deployment refers to the use of such systems in ways that could affect external parties. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.