The "Right to Compute Act" aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by establishing a framework for the management of risks associated with critical infrastructure controlled by artificial intelligence systems. The bill emphasizes the importance of the right to acquire, possess, and utilize computational resources, asserting that any governmental restrictions on these rights must be narrowly tailored to serve a compelling governmental interest. It introduces definitions for key terms such as "artificial intelligence system," "critical artificial intelligence," and "computational resources," and mandates that deployers of critical artificial intelligence systems develop risk management policies in accordance with recognized standards.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that any governmental action that restricts the ownership or use of computational resources must be demonstrably necessary and aligned with the protection of fundamental rights to property and free expression. It clarifies that the act does not alter existing intellectual property rights and does not preempt federal law. The act will take effect upon the Governor's approval, reinforcing the state's commitment to balancing technological innovation with public safety and individual rights.