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 negative outcomes resulting from their use. Specific liabilities include physical harm caused by AI-driven machinery, economic misconduct such as fraud, 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 various defenses against liability, including the implementation of reasonable oversight and safeguards.
Additionally, the bill defines key terms related to AI systems and their deployment, clarifying that the term "artificial intelligence system" encompasses machine-based systems capable of making predictions or decisions that influence environments. The definition of "deployment" includes any use of AI that could affect external parties, while excluding purely experimental models that are secured against unauthorized access. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.